Joseph Gutkowski

Joseph "Joe" Patrick Gutkowski December 31, 1960 – December 21, 2024 Joseph "Joe" Patrick Gutkowski, age 63, departed this world on December 21, 2024, to return to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Born on December 31, 1960, at St. Joseph's Hospital in Houston, Texas, Joe was the beloved son of John Joseph Gutkowski and Shirley Louise Dunegan Gutkowski. As the eldest of three children, he was raised by a devoted mother and surrounded by a large, supportive extended family.
Joe's early life was marked by both hardship and resilience. Having lost his father at the tender age of three and his stepfather at thirteen, he faced profound challenges that shaped his character and ignited a lifelong drive for achievement.
A proud graduate of Montgomery High School in 1979, Joe pursued higher education at Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas, where he earned a bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering in 1984. It was there that he met the love of his life, Susan Claire Gutkowski (Texas A&M '85). They married soon after, beginning a beautiful journey that spanned over 40 years, blessed with three children, countless adventures, and unwavering devotion to one another.
Joe built an illustrious career in finance and wealth management, earning national recognition for his expertise and integrity. His accolades included five Five Star Wealth Manager Awards, acknowledged by Forbes Magazine, and being named one of the country's top retirement plan advisors by NAPA in 2017.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Joe had a passion for the outdoors-especially the mountains of Colorado-where he and Susan treasured time spent at their remote cabin in Cotopaxi. He also loved his dog Duke, Texas Aggie football, and a good margarita.
Joe's life was driven by a singular purpose: ensuring that his family would always be provided for and protected from the hardships he endured as a child. He fulfilled this mission tenfold, becoming a steadfast source of guidance, generosity, and love.
A man of deep faith, Joe devoted himself to the Catholic Church, serving as an usher and lector for many years. He was a proud member of Cardinal DiNardo's Cardinal Circle of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston and a court-appointed advocate for Child Advocates in Houston. Joe also gave generously to his alma mater, Texas A&M University, where he established multiple endowments and served on the Board of Directors and the Champions Council for the 12th Man Foundation.
In his cherished spare time, Joe and Susan retreated to their mountain sanctuary in Colorado, where they created treasured memories-cutting Christmas trees, enjoying the beauty of the Great Divide, and finding peace in the serenity of nature.
Joe's legacy is one of perseverance, faith, love, and generosity. His impact will live on in the hearts of those who knew him and in the lives he touched.
Joe is survived by his loving wife, Susan; Sons Patrick and Will, Daughter Lexi; Granddaughters Clare and Lyla; Sisters Tracey and Sharon and by his dearest friends.
Visitation/Viewing will be on January 2nd from 4:30 to 6:30 PM at Brenham Memorial Chapel, 2300 Springer St, Brenham, TX 77833. Condolences may be sent to the Chapel address as well.
The funeral mass will be on Friday, January 3rd, at 11 AM at St. Stanislaus Catholic Parish, 9175 FM-1371 Chappell Hill, TX 77426. Friends and family are welcome to celebrate Joe after mass at the family Ranch located on 37703 FM 1736, Hempstead, TX 77445.
Services are in the care of Brenham Memorial Chapel, 2300 Stringer St., Brenham, TX 77833. 979.836.3611 Memories may be shared at www.BrenhamMemorialChapel.com.