Wayne Leo Gutowski

1947 - 2023

Wayne Leo Gutowski
St. Charles, Michigan
August 11, 1947 - February 16, 2023
Our loving and devoted father, Wayne Leo Gutowski (75) of St. Charles, Michigan passed away on February 16, 2023. Wayne was born to Leo and Germaine Gutowski on August 11, 1947, in Manistee, Michigan.
Wayne served in the United States Navy from 1965 until 1969. He proudly served aboard the USS Topeka as a Radio Mechanic. As Wayne would say "This was the time when men were built of steel and ships of wood."
He raised his family of three sons and one daughter in Lennon, Michigan. He built his life there, creating long lasting friendships while providing for his family with everything, including and beyond, what he was capable to give. He did so by working at General Motors, eventually retiring, all while proudly driving his Ford vehicles to work every day! He spent his later years living between Michigan and Florida, devoting his life to help take care of his grandchildren.
He enjoyed spending time with family and friends; going on adventures in the RV, cruising the water in the boat and listening to music, riding the sand dunes in his Bronco or four wheeling in the mud with his Jeep. He was a beloved father, brother, grandparent, and friend.
Amongst his passions, his biggest was cars. He enjoyed racing them, working on them, refurbishing them and watching NASCAR. He also worked with Dad's Pick-Up 4X4 and Nick's Auto & Transmission, both in Corunna, Michigan to fulfill this passion.
He is survived by his two sons, David Alan Gutowski (Molly) of St. Charles, MI, Mark James Gutowski of St. Charles MI, and daughter Leigh Ann Bader (Brandon) of Saint Cloud, FL; five grandchildren, Alyssa Gutowski, Josh Wilson, Nikolas Gutowski, Brooks Bader and Lylah Bader, his sisters Margaret Hecksel (Phil) of South Haven, Janet Gutowski of Manistee, and his many nieces and nephews, that he always enjoyed spending time with.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Jim Gutowski, and his son, Jeff Gutowski.
He was a loving and devoted father and grandparent that will be sorely missed by many. We promise to always "sit back and feel the music".
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, February 27, 2023 at 11:30 AM, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, in Manistee, with Reverend Basil Lek celebrant. Burial will follow at Mount Carmel Cemetery in Manistee where the members of the Manistee County United Veterans Council Ritual Squad will conduct Military Honors.
The family will receive friends at the church on Monday morning one hour prior to the funeral mass.
The Herbert Funeral Home of Manistee is in charge of funeral arrangements.