Victor Gutschenritter

Victor Maxmillian Gutschenritter, a member of the greatest generation, product of the great depression, and veteran of World War II passed away on October 14, 2022.  He was born on September 26, 1923 on the Gutschenritter family farm in Hartford Wisconsin.  Fifteen months later his mother, Elizabeth Burelbach Gutschenritter passed away.  He, his brother Lawrence J., and his sisters Alice M. and Ruth L. went to live with their grandparents.  His father, Arthur J, now in the bridge building business, was working in Michigan when he met and married Deila Tatro Pletcher.  Together they moved to Niles.

Vic graduated from Niles High School in 1941 as the president of his class.  After high school, he began his college education at Notre Dame.  This was interrupted by World War II.  He decided to serve his country by enlisting in the Army reserve.  In 1943 he and was called to active duty.  After basic training, He was assigned to the University of Illinois.  On a Sunday night in December, instead of studying he went to a dance at the Newman Center.  There he met June L. Johnston. It was the beginning of a love affair that lasted until June’s passing in 2016.

He was discharged from the Army in November 1945 and resumed his studies at Notre Dame.    He graduated from Notre Dame in 1948 Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Commerce.  He and June married on July 10th, 1948 and settled in Niles.  He found his way to the business office of the City of Niles Board of Public Works.  He remained with the BPW for 41 years and 3 years after retirement found himself on the board, eventually becoming its chairman.  The city officially honored him for his 60 plus years of service to the city.

During his years of service on the Board he was instrumental in establishing the City’s pension program.   It is because of his tenacity and foresight that city employees benefit from the pension program they enjoy today.

He was a lifetime member of the Michigan Municipal Power Association and a member of the American Public Power Association (APPA).

Vic was active in St Mary’s Catholic Church.  He was a 3rd degree member of the Knights of Columbus and a past Grand Knight.  He was a long-time member of the parish finance committee and cemetery board.  He was active in Boy Scout Troop 79 with his boys, all whom are Eagle Scouts.  He continued to go to summer camp with the Scouts even after his boys were grown and gone.  He closely followed the Green Bay Packers and the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame delighting in the victories and lamenting the losses.

Vic also remained loyal to his brothers in Arms in the Eighth Armored Division Association, serving one term as the organization’s president.

Vic and June raised 4 boys, always hoping for a girl. He is survived by his sons James L., who married Shirley and lives in Warner Robins GA, Edward M, who lives in Niles, Stephen M. who married Margaret and lives in Frankfort, IL and David J., who married Amy and lives in Wayland MA.  He is also survived by grandchildren, Elizabeth (Libby) Roberts (Tyler) and Matthew Gutschenritter.

To anyone who asked, he was known to say “I’m the luckiest man in the world.  I had a good wife and four good sons.  My boys get along, talk to each and take good care of me.”  You just can’t say it any better!!

The family will receive visitors on Sunday Oct 23, 2022 from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 at Halbritter Wickens Funeral Home 615 E. Main St. Niles. A rosary will be prayed at 7:30pm on Sunday. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St Mary Catholic Church on Monday Oct 24, 2022 at 11:00 am with visitation 1hour prior at church.  Fr Christian Johnson and Deacon Roger Gregorski officiating. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery with military honors.

Memorial contributions may be made to the St Mary Christian Service Center.

Online condolences to the family may be left at www.halbritterwickens.com