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Mark Gutzke Obituary
Mark E. Gutzke died on April 21, 2023 at Northwestern Memorial Hospital from pancreatic cancer. Mark earned a degree in architecture from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Mark was a very gifted and exacting woodworker and carpenter and he used his architectural and woodworking skills professionally to perform residential rehab and personally on his and his wife Jennifer's beautiful home in Little Italy. Mark was a proud Chicagoan through and through. He was an ever loyal and long suffering fan of the Chicago Fire and the Chicago Bears; often enjoying tailgate parties with friends that were more fun than the games. Mark was also an avid bicyclist and motorcyclist. He and his wife Jennifer blended his love of soccer and cycling by taking a number of biking and cycling trips through Europe, visiting his family in Germany, and following the U.S. World Cup soccer team. Mark loved cycling through the European mountains and was especially proud of scaling Mount Ventoux in a decent time. He also thoroughly enjoyed cycling on Chicago's Lakefront Trail and then riding north to Wisconsin or south to Indiana with his pack of cycling friends no matter the weather.
Mark is survived by his wife of 38 years Jennifer, his father Rik and stepmother Zacki, his brother Dirk and his wife Peggy, his brother Rik and his wife Diane, and a number of very dear brother and sister in laws and nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, Jennifer asks that donations be made in Mark's memory to the Pancreatic Action Network at http://pancan.org. A memorial gathering will be planned for a later time.
Arrangements entrusted to Caring Cremations of Chicago, IL.
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Memories and Condolences
for Mark Gutzke
Sponsored by Chicago Sun-Times.
Cindy Gaffney
May 16, 2024
Jen no words can ease your loss, you are in my thoughts!
Cindy
Joe
May 8, 2023
Loved riding with Mark. Always thought he was at least 25 years younger than he actually was due to his speed, endurance, and fitness. I will miss you on our rides. You are an inspiration.
Lisa Shields McLain
May 6, 2023
Thinking of you Jennifer and also if Mark´s family. There are no words to take away the sadness,..perhaps knowing how much he was loved & admired helps in some small way. Sending warm and caring thoughts. With much LoVe- Love you, Lisa S M
April 30, 2023
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
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Dan Carlman
April 30, 2023
Rest in peace my friend. I'm going to miss your quick wit and your passion for everything you did..
Dan (Susie) Carlman
Zenda Payne
April 26, 2023
So very sorry for your loss. RIK Gutzke and his wonderful sons have been a part of our lives though distant since Rik and Zacki married. Zacki is my sister. I pray you find comfort and solace. Zenda Payne
Art & Erin
April 26, 2023
Dear Jennifer and Family,
We are heartbroken with the news of Mark's passing. He was a true lover of life and he had an adventurous spirit. Mark, Art and the guys enjoyed the projects they built together. He will be missed. Our sincerest condolences to you and the family. Art & Erin Wisehart
Mary Brass
April 25, 2023
Jennifer I am so sorry to hear of Mark´s death. He had a wonderful life because of your love for him. He was the full package. Handsome,smart, and a gifted artist. You are in my prayers. Mary Brass and family
Sally Bray
April 25, 2023
I first met Mark over 30 years ago when his wife Jennifer and I worked together at the Cook County State´s Attorney´s Office. Throughout the years, Mark became an extension to our close knit group as he both supported and participated in our many social activities. As a result, he also became a dear and valued friend whose intelligence, wit and graciousness I much appreciated.
Mark was an extremely talented architect and carpenter, as evidenced by the idyllic oasis he created at his home. We spent many happy hours there sharing meals, stories and laughter and I will always remember those special times.
You were a valiant warrior until the very end and now you can rest in peace. I will never forget you nor all the memories and years of friendship we shared. Memory Eternal.
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