Lawrence (Red) Joseph Gutschalk

Lawrence (Red) Joseph Gutschalk died March 17, 2018 peacefully in his home surrounded by his family. Born 95 years ago in Oak Harbor, Ohio, Lawrence was the son of Joseph and Magdalena (Darr) Gutschalk. He married Helen Naderer on October 13, 1951 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Fremont.

Red was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was known and loved for his strong faith, his positive and forgiving nature, and how he cherished his family and friends.  He and his wife raised their children on the family dairy farm, teaching appreciation of conservation and respect for nature. He was a lifelong member of the Knights of Columbus, a supportive participant in Cursillo, and an active and devoted member of Millersville St. Mary’s Catholic Church. He enjoyed music, dancing and videotaping special events for others. Red always wanted people to know that he deeply appreciated all those who touched his life. He felt his friends and family were a true blessing who made his life much richer.

Lawrence is survived by children Martha (Louis) Kummerer, Arizona; Annie (Mark) Blum, Galion; David (Mary), Burgoon, Angie (Mike) Mehling, Fremont; Mark (Jody), Burgoon; Diane (Pat) Baker, Helena; and grandchildren: Lou (Lilia) Kummerer III; Lauren (Adrian) Kosiara; Jill (Aaron) Matejcik; Ed (Katie) Kummerer; Rachel (Jim) Lott; Erin (Jeff) Shannon; Tim (Annie) Blum; Pete (Bekah) Gutschalk; Sara (Mark) Thompson; Brenda (Michael) Hamer; Kathy (Andrew) Fought; Ann Gutschalk; Andrew, Matt, Amy Mehling; Kelly (Ryan) Thomas; Jacob (Brittany) Gutschalk; Zac, Luke, Isaac and Julia Baker; great-grandchildren: Helena, Isabel, Merryn, Jane, Paul, Lauren, Alex, Genevieve, Vienna, Matthew, Marta, Ulric, Axel, David, Galen, Alice, Oliver, Gwendolyn, Josephine; in-laws: Millie Naderer; Agnes and Bernard Boes; Paul and Kate Naderer; Pete and Marcie Naderer; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Preceding Lawrence in death are his wife of nearly 65 years Helen (Naderer); parents; infant son Michael; siblings: Sr. Ruth Gutschalk; Rosa Gutschalk; Viola Vroman and several brothers- and sisters-in-law.

Visitation will be held on Friday, March 23rd from 4-8 p.m. at the Herman-Karlovetz Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Fremont A Mass of Christian Burial will be said at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Millersville on Saturday at 10 a.m. where there will be an additional hour of visitation at the church beginning at 9 a.m. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Memorials can be made to ProMedica Hospice of Memorial Hospital, Sandusky County Food Pantry or donor choice.