Obituary of Robert P. Gutwein

Robert P. "Bob" Gutwein, 86, of Francesville, IN went home to be with the Lord Tuesday, August 22, 2023.  He passed away at Franciscan Health Hospital in Rensselaer, IN.   Bob was born on April 19, 1937 in Francesville to the late Clarence P. and E. Jane [Snedeker] Gutwein.  He graduated from Francesville High School in 1955 and was a proud member of the Sectional Championship basketball team that year.  In 1956, he married Lois R. Ramey and they had two lovely daughters.  On April 3, 1976, Bob married the love of his life, Madge [Arnett] Allen.  She passed away on September 21, 2022.

Bob was a member of the Francesville First Christian Church.  He was a faithful Christian man who loved serving others and singing in the church choir.  Bob was a longtime member of the Francesville Lion’s Club and Francesville Fire Department.  He had previously served on the Francesville Town Board.  He enjoyed playing golf, especially playing in league at Moss Creek.  Bob and Madge also enjoyed golfing trips with their friends. 

Bob was always a hard worker and a true entrepreneur.  He co-founded Francesville Tire Company (FTC) and Blue Sea Blueberry Farms.  Most recently, he was the owner and operator of Family Tree Company - which was also known as FTC.  (Bob always said this was so he didn’t have to get new stationary.)

Bob loved his family very much, especially spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.   He will be dearly missed. 

He is survived by:

Kim (Blake) Wuethrich, Noblesville, IN Daughter

Kristy (Cary) Hoffman, DeMotte, IN Daughter

Donnie (Kay) Allen, Francesville, IN Son

Marsha (Jim) Minkert, Monticello, IN Daughter

14 Grandchildren – Tiara (Bill) Fairchild, Blair (Ryan) O’Reilly, Shawna (Cory) Reed, Nicolle (Danny) Legere, Dan (Holly) Nannenga, Sean Nannenga, Mandy Hoffman, Sara (Josh) Garcia, Wes Allen, Luke (Abby) Allen, Jordan (Elizabeth) Allen, Jeremy (Alexis) Minkert, Brooke (Jonas) Burgett, and McKinsey Minkert

25 Great Grandchildren

Donald (Judy) Gutwein, Phoenix, AZ Brother

Richard (Pat) Gutwein, Phoenix, AZ Brother

Douglas (Mary Lew) Gutwein, Cary, NC Brother

Sharon Gutwein, Ankeny, IA Sister-in-law

Helen Fay (Allyn) Onken, Francesville, IN Sister-in-law

Marvin (Lola) Arnett, Wheatfield, IN Brother-in-law

Orben Ritchie, Wheatfield, IN Brother-in-Law

Freeda Arnett, Medaryville, IN Sister-in-Law

Many nieces and nephews

Preceded in death by:

Clarence P. and E. Jane [Snedeker] Gutwein, Parents

Madge Gutwein, Wife

Craig Allen, Son

Miles W. Allen, Great Grandson

Ronald Gutwein, Brother

Elsie Ritchie, Sister-in-law 

Tom Arnett, Brother-in-law

Funeral Services will held at 2 PM EDT Saturday, August 26, 2023 Francesville First Christian Church with Pastor James Ketchen officiating.

Burial will take place at Roseland Cemetery in Francesville, IN.     

Visitation will be from 4-8 PM EDT Friday, August 25, 2023 at Francesville First Christian Church and one hour prior to services at the church on Saturday.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Francesville First Christian Church.

Online Tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Francesville, IN.