Michael John Gutzman

Michael John Gutzman passed away surrounded by his family on December 29, 2025, at the age of 72. Beloved by many and friend to all, Mike was born May 12, 1953, and was the youngest of four to parents Myron and Mary Gutzman. A true Californian, Mike was the only child born in California (Sacramento) after the family moved out west in 1950 from Madison, South Dakota eventually settling in Santa Rosa in 1955. He spent much of his youth in various pursuits including paperboy for the Press Democrat, growing pumpkins, hunting with his Dad and brother, and later playing football for Santa Rosa High. After graduating SRHS in 1971, Mike attended UC Davis where he graduated with a degree in Biology (1977).

Mike owned and operated many well-known businesses in Sonoma County, Valero gas stations, Kringle's Korner Christmas Trees, and Punky's Pumpkins. During the holidays, friends knew they could find him working hard at the pumpkin patch or tree lot. Mike also was very proud to grow the pumpkins they supplied to the public at Punky's. Outside of work, he enjoyed the outdoors. Some of his favorite hobbies were scuba diving, hunting, his tractors, and his three donkeys. Mike was also a faithful San Francisco 49ers fan.

Mike is survived by his wife Kim Gutzman, daughter Morgan Gutzman of Sebastopol, sister Marla (John) Polos of Battle Ground, WA, sister Mary (Mike) York of Vancouver, WA, sister in law Susan Gutzman (wife of his late brother Myron Jr.) of Citrus Heights, CA, sister in law Deborah (Craig) Keifer, Uncle John Gutzman of Santa Rosa, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Visitation hours will be held at Daniels Chapel of the Roses on Friday, January 9, 2026, from 4:00 - 8:00 pm. A funeral service will be held at the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 2:00 pm. Private interment Calvary Catholic Cemetery.

If desired, donations in Mike's name may be made to the Sonoma County Farm Bureau for AG Scholarships.