Gutmann, Helmut R. Died February 14 of complications from a fall. He was 97 years old. He was a resident of Friendship Village in Bloomington. Helmut was born July 31, 1911 in Strasbourg, Germany. He received an MD from the University of Goettingen. Helmut had an avid and life-long love of recreational sports, including skiing, mountainclimbing, tennis, swimming, canoeing and fitness training. He immigrated to the US in 1936 under threat from the Nazi government, and served as a captain in the Chemical Warfare Service of the US Army. Helmut worked for 40 years as a research scientist at the VA Hospital in Minneapolis. His research resulted in the publication of 120 papers in professional journals. In addition to science, Helmut had an abiding love of classical music. He played the violin for many years, including 12 years with the Bloomington Symphony Orchestra. Later in life, he played the piano, which he did until his death. Helmut is survived by his loving wife, Betty of 63 years; their four children, Ruth Hennig (Calvin), David, Michael (Sandra), and Rebecca Younes (Munther); and eight grandchildren. He also leaves a brother and a sister. A memorial service is planned at the Minnesota Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (MVUUF) in Bloomington. Details will be available by contacting the fellowship at 952-884-8956. In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations to MVUUF, 10715 Zenith Avenue South, Bloomington or the YMCA, Southdale Branch, 7355 York Avenue, Edina.
This obituary was originally published in the Star Tribune.
Dear Betty,
Only today did I learn of Uncle Helmuts death. I found it on the web. I am very saddened for your lose. I only wish I had known more about Helmut. I was so very impressed by what I read in the obituary.
I wish someone would have contacted me at the time. If you read this please contact me at 270-522-7394 any time.
Love,
Robin, your nephew
Robin Gutmann
February 10, 2010 | Cadis, KY
Dear Betty,
I was very saddened to hear about the loss of Helmut. I have such nice memories of working in the office of MVUUF and seeing you and Helmut as you came in to the office as part of your many voluteer activities. Helmut was such a sweet and gentle man. I remember hearing stories about how he had been an extremely talented researcher and I also knew that he was a a very talented and still (in his 80's) active musician.It was very inspirational. Reading about his life and your...
Pat Kerber
March 19, 2009 | Bloomington, MN
Dear Betty and Family Members:
I am very saddened concerning Helmut's recent death. You may recall that I was his violin teacher in Minneapolis in the mid 1970s. Helmut was a great companion and he loved the violin. He made such progress that three years later he joined the Unitarian Orchestra under my direction as well as the U of M Summer Orchestra. Five years ago I changed careers from music to the ministry. I am now the rabbi of the Jewish Reform congregation in Hattiesburg,...
URI BARNEA
March 10, 2009 | Hattiesburg, MS
Dear Gutmann Family,
I remember playing in the BSO with Helmut. Since I only knew his first name initially, it was months or maybe even a couple of years before I found out he was Mike’s dad! Then he became Sandy’s father-in-law, of course. I’m sorry to hear of his passing. Betty and all of the extended Gutmann family will be in my thoughts and prayers during this sad time.
Love and Blessings,
Karen Lee
March 01, 2009 | Seattle, WA
Dear Betty,
I was very sorry to hear about Helmut. Some of my earliest childhood memories are of both of you, as two of the founders of MVUUF. I remember Helmut as a very gentle man with a lot of drive. I think of Helmut and Florence playing violin together whenever I hear a Bach violin concerto. I know that you and your family will miss him very much. I am thinking about you and your family during this extremely difficult time.
Kim Lutes
February 27, 2009 | Minneapolis, MN
Dear Betty:
Jonathan and I were very sorry to hear about Dr. Gutman. He was an excellent scientist. We keep very warm memories of the times we spent together, especially when his eyes and face light up talking about his research. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. With very warm regards and lots of love. Jonathan and Sara
Jonathan and Sara Antonia Li
February 26, 2009 | Kansas, KS
Dear Betty and Family,
We are saddened to hear about Helmut.
We have fond memories of playing with him in the BSO. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Chlebecek's
February 25, 2009 | Bloomington, MN
I am sorry to hear of your loss. Tho my memories are those of a child in the '60s, they are of a quiet and kind man. The Gutmann family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Eileene Hulko
February 23, 2009 | Minneapolis, MN
Betty, A day just wasn't complete until Helmut sang the Good Morning song to me and it may have even been five or six times a day but always welcome. He had my respect, admiration, and love. You were truly two of my favorite residents. Wishing you peace. Regina (former FV banker)
Regina Schmidtke
February 20, 2009 | Weyerhaeuser, WI
