Dixie "Dee" Gutfreund

Dixie "Dee" Gutfreund, age 82, passed away peacefully on January 27th, 2026, at the Jewish Life Center in Des Moines, Iowa.

Dee was born in Des Moines on April 28th, 1943, and was the beloved daughter of Arlene James and Ferrill Shoemaker. She graduated from Lincoln High School in 1961 and was a foreign exchange student in Denmark. Dee attended college at the University of Northern Iowa.

Dee was married for fifty years to her loving husband, James "Jim" Gutfreund. Together they shared many adventures and travels and built a life centered on family, friendship, and compassion, including years of service on the Hospice Board.

Dee filled her home with love and beauty. She collected Swarovski figurines, enjoyed art, and especially loved decorating her home for Christmas, where she could truly let her creativity and love for hosting shine. As a child, Dee learned to play the piano and retained a lifelong appreciation for music of all kinds. She encouraged her children and grandchildren to play and kept a beautiful grand piano in her home for them to practice. Dee loved to sing and often broke into songs, including jingles from the 1960s, to entertain her family.

As a young woman, Dee worked in flower shops, creating stunning floral arrangements that were a feast to behold. She fondly shared stories of being a frequent dancer on The Harris Hop on WHO-TV during the 1950s.

In their earlier years of marriage, Dee and Jim traveled throughout the country participating in car racing events. While Dee may not have driven the cars herself, she proudly waved the black-and-white checkered flag for Jim. She was knowledgeable about racing and never missed an F1 race, often enjoying breakfast pizza with Jim while watching together. Dee and Jim enjoyed winter activities and socializing with their friends in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, as well as time in Siesta Key, Florida, where they enjoyed boating, hosting gourmet meals, playing tennis, and taking long walks on the beach. During the Covid years, Dee found joy and connection through neighborhood cocktail hours in their cul-de-sac and always spoke warmly of her neighbors.

Dee was a loving mother to Erik (Susan) Winberg and Karen Winberg. She was deeply adored by her grandchildren, Kelsey (AJ) Hershberger, Alex Vermillion, Anya Winberg, Cailin Winberg, Erika (Patrick) Sullivan, Connor (Milly) McBrian, and Jeff (Teresa) Gutfreund. Her great-grandchildren, Ella and Jaxon Hershberger, lovingly called her "G.G." and will miss her greatly. Dee's stepchildren, David (Diane) Gutfreund and Lynn (Mike Schoonover) McBrian, were also very important members of her family.

Dee was preceded in death by her parents, Arlene and Ferrill Shoemaker; her sister, Fairlene "Donna" Karstons; and her aunt, Louise Beaver.

The family extends deep appreciation to EveryStep Hospice, the staff of the Jewish Life Center, and all who provided care and compassion to Dee during her final months. Your kindness and support will always be remembered.

In lieu of flowers, and in accordance with Dee's wishes, memorial donations may be made in her name to EveryStep Hospice.

Dee's memorial service will be at 3 p.m., Friday, January 30, 2026 at Iles Dunn's Chapel.