Rudy Gutierrez

It is with with deep sorrow and heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and dear friend, Rudy G. Gutierrez, 76, who passed away on July 20, 2023, peacefully at his home.
He was born on May 4, 1947, in Las Cruces, NM, to Marcos Gutierrez and Frances Gutierrez.
He was raised in Chiva Town and attended local schools graduating from Las Cruces High School in 1966. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He arrived in San Diego stepping on the "Yellow Footprints" that would change his life forever. After graduating from boot camp, he was assigned to the Third Marine Division and sent to Vietnam. His company was ambushed, and he was one of the few survivors. He was sent to Don-Ha for rest and recuperation. Rudy returned to duty and was assigned to the 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, where he was involved in many combat engagements. He survived his deployment to Vietnam, being awarded the National Defense Medal, Over Seas Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, Navy Commendation Medal with "V," Combat Action Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation, Vietnam Service Medal, and Vietnam Campaign Medal. Rudy separated Honorably from the USMC and returned to Las Cruces. It would not be until October 2008 that Sergeant Rudy Gutierrez was awarded his Purple Heart for combat injuries. Rudy continued his service for seventeen more years in the National Guard.
Rudy retired from the City of Las Cruces, having worked in the customer service department, retiring after twenty-seven years. He met Margarita Bravo, and after their courtship, they married in 1972. Rudy and Margarita raised their family in Las Cruces. Their children, Oralia, Monica-Claudia, Javier, Rudy Jr., Luis, and Selena, worked in the family business, Los Compas restaurants. Rudy enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, watching boxing, and going to Las Cruces High School football games. Rudy enjoyed restoring his 1941 Chevrolet car and entering many local car shows. Rudy tagged along whenever a family member was near a casino as he enjoyed giving his money to the one-armed bandit. Rudy spent a lot of time in retirement watching over his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He took pride and joy in tending to his garden.
Rudy was a member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Third Reconnaissance Battalion Association. Rudy enjoyed assisting other veterans in taking ice cream to those less fortunate in T or C Veterans' Hospital.
Rudy is survived by his devoted wife of many years, Margarita of Las Cruces. His children Oralia Frietze (James), Monica-Claudia Ransom, Javier Gutierrez (Michelle), Rudy Gutierrez Jr., Luis Gutierrez (Maria), and Selena Gutierrez (Oscar). Grandchildren, Victoria Brundage, Xavia Garcia, Priscilla Garcia, Javier Gutierrez, Savannah Gutierrez, Matthew Frietze, Andrew Frietze, Angelina Gutierrez, Eulogio Barrientos, Santiago Gutierrez, his sister Genevieve Gonzales, fifteen great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and Godchildren.
He was preceded in death by his father, Marcos Gutierrez, and his mother, Frances Gutierrez.
Pallbearers will be Javier Gutierrez, Rudy Gutierrez Jr., Luis Gutierrez, Javier Gutierrez Jr., Daniel Sanchez, Matthew Frietze, Andrew Frietze, and Fernando Gonzalez. Honorary pallbearers will be his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Visitation will occur on August 1, 2023, at Getz Funeral Home from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, with a prayer vigil immediately following. Funeral mass will be at Cathedral Immaculate Heart of Mary on August 2, 2023, at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Cemetery. Military honors will be provided by the United States Marine Corps Perro Diablo Detachment, Patriot Guard.
The family would like to thank the Veterans Administration medical personnel and staff. Three Crosses Hospital staff, Providence Sierra Campus Hospital staff, Matrix Home Care Services of New Mexico, Las Cruces Fire Department, Las Cruces Police Department, and Getz Funeral Home. We would like to thank those who have helped Rudy along the way who are not mentioned here.