BROOKINGS — Walter Valentine “Walt” Gutzmer, 96, went to be with his Lord Monday, March 11, 2024, at his home in Brookings. Funeral services are 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, March 26, at Eidsness Funeral Home in Brookings with burial following at 2 p.m. in the Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery in Sioux Falls.
Visitation is from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. prior to service Tuesday, March 26 at Eidsness Funeral Home.
Walt was born on February 14, 1928, on the Old Fee Farm near Woonsocket, to Otto and Babette (Spillman) Gutzmer. Walt graduated from Burbank High School on May 16, 1947. Following graduation, Walt attended General Beadle State College and Huron College.
Walt joined the Army National Guard while a freshman at General Beadle College, officially enlisting in 1950 and attending basic training at Fort Carson. He retired from the military in 1985. His 37-year military involvement included 36 years in the SD Army National Guard and one year in the Air Force Reserve. Walt retired as a Master Sergeant, receiving multiple medals and honors throughout his military career. In 1952, he began his career in federal government, first as an engineering aid and later in soil conservation. His combined experiences led him to work for over 35 years in the federal government.
Walt married Ida Timm on August 29, 1950, in Woonsocket. The couple later divorced, but together raised four children: Barbara, Belinda, Kent, and Sheri Lynn Gutzmer. In 1967, Walt met the love of his life, Carolyn Jo Morrison Sinkie, and they married on June 1, 1969, at the Presbyterian Church in Huron. Walt and Carolyn were married 54 years before his passing.
Walt is survived by his wife, Carolyn; two sons: Rick Gutzmer and Kent Gutzmer; three daughters: Sheri Lynn Gutzmer (Deb Castle), Debbie Gutzmer Leonard (Peter), and Janeen Gutzmer Thill (Tim), and a special granddaughter who is like a daughter, Heidi Lynn Hamer; 10 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; six nieces and five nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, first wife, Ida Mae Timm Walker, two daughters: Barbara Lee Gutzmer Eitreim and Belinda Marie Gutzmer; one infant great-granddaughter, Myra Janeen Mohs; five sisters; and two brothers.
In lieu of flowers, the Gutzmer family requests that donations be made to family for donation to a cause of its choice.