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Douglas Gutsch

1936 - 2026

Douglas Gutsch obituary, 1936-2026, Altoona, WI

BORN

1936

DIED

2026

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Visitation

Apr. 1, 2026

11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Chippewa Valley Cremation Services & Celebration of Life Center

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Douglas Gutsch Obituary

Douglas Gutsch

November 28, 1936 - March 26, 2026

Douglas W. Gutsch passed away Thursday, March 26, 2026, at Marshfield Hospital surrounded by his loving family.

Doug was born November 28,1936 in Eau Claire to Ralph and Maybelle Gutsch. He was one of seven children. Doug was active in sports and set basketball records before graduating from Altoona High School. He served in the Army from 1959-1961.

On January 4, 1964, he married the love of his life Carol Bautch at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Eau Claire. Together they shared a loving marriage and had three beautiful children. Doug was an outdoor enthusiast participating in activities year-round. He loved fishing, camping, hunting and snowmobiling with family and friends. When football season started, Doug could be found cheering on the Packers. Doug never met a stranger and enjoyed helping others whether mowing their grass, snow blowing their sidewalks or taking them fishing.

Doug is survived by daughter, Brenda (Nile) Barnes, two sons, Thomas Gutsch (Renee Eder), and Kirk Gutsch; grandson JD Barnes; siblings Marjorie Swanson, Gretchen Carter, Jeff (Chris) Gutsch; sister-in-laws Donna Gutsch, Judy (Sam) Hearth, brother-in-law Jim (Robin) Underwood and several nieces and nephews.

Doug was preceded in death by wife Carol; parents Ralph & Maybelle Gutsch; siblings Gordon Gutsch, Ramon Gutsch, Dennis Gutsch; brother-in-laws Thomas Bautch, George Carter, Robert Swanson, Scott Rice ; sister-in-laws Patty Rice, Janet Underwood and Mary Gutsch.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to the staff of: Marshfield Clinic & Hospital, Davita Lake Hallie Services, Almost Family Healthcare, Abby Van Services, Dove South Rehab and Veterans Administration.

A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at Chippewa Valley Cremation Services – Celebration of Life Center (1717 Devney Dr, Altoona). Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m. and continue until the time of service. A luncheon will follow the service.

Chippewa Valley Cremation Services – Celebration of Life Center is serving the family. Online arrangements can be left at www.chippewavalleycremation.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Leader Telegram from Mar. 30 to Mar. 31, 2026.

Memorial Events
for Douglas Gutsch

Apr

1

Visitation

11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Chippewa Valley Cremation Services & Celebration of Life Center

1717 Devney Drive, Altoona, WI 54720

Apr

1

Memorial service

12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Chippewa Valley Cremation Services & Celebration of Life Center

1717 Devney Drive, Altoona, WI 54720

Funeral services provided by:

Chippewa Valley Cremation Services & Celebration of Life Center

1717 Devney Dr, Altoona, WI 54720

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