Jack Gutchewsky

J John A. 'Jack' Gutchewsky

April 20, 1948 - March 14, 2013

HERNDON, Kansas -- John A. "Jack" Gutchewsky was born April 20, 1948, in Omaha, Nebraska, the son of Joseph and Bernice (Hafner) Gutchewsky. He passed away Thursday, March 14, 2013, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, Nebraska, at the age of 64.

Jack grew up in Omaha and attended Immaculate Conception Grade School and South High School, graduating with the Class of 1966. He served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged in 1969. When Jack returned from military service, he moved to the family farm south of Herndon, Kansas, and began farming and ranching with his uncles, Francis, Harry and Albert Hafner.

On Oct. 25, 1975, Jack was united in marriage to Mary Nokes at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Herndon. They made their home on the family farm south of Herndon all of their married life and raised their three children there.

Jack had a real love of farming, raising cattle and living the rural way of life. He enjoyed welding, woodworking, fishing and hunting. Jack never knew a stranger and enjoyed time spent visiting with his friends and neighbors. Family was very important to him, and his children and grandchildren were his pride and joy. Jack will be fondly remembered as a loving husband, father and grandfather who always had a kind word and smile to share. He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, and American Legion Post No. 70, all of Oberlin. In addition, he belonged to the Herndon VFW.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Gutchewsky, of the home; three children and their spouses, Tammy and Kendal Neal, of Oberlin, Brian and Krista Gutchewsky, of Kearney, and Sarah and Joel Uerling, of McCook, Nebraska; two brothers and their wives, Jim and Jean Gutchewsky, of St. Louis, Missouri, and Frank and Delores Gutchewsky, of Gretna, Nebraska; twin sister, Judy Gutchewsky, of St. Louis, Missouri, and sister, Helene Gutchewsky, also of St. Louis; brother-in-law, Richard Zeller, of Ravenna, Nebraska; three sisters-in-law, Jan Pollard, of Omaha, Nebraska, Shirley and Gene Axtell, of Danbury, Nebraska, and Linda Clapp, of St. Paul, Nebraska; and seven grandchildren: Katrina and James Neal; Gavin, Jena and Jillian Gutchewsky; and Addyson and Hayden Uerling.

He was preceded in death by his parents; in-laws, Marion and Frieda Nokes; an infant brother; brother, Joseph Gutchewsky; brother-in-law, Tom Clapp; sister-in-law, Phyllis Zeller; and three uncles, Francis, Harry and Albert Hafner.

Vigil Service was Sunday, March 17, 2013, at 7 p.m. at Pauls Funeral Home, Oberlin, Kansas.

Mass of Christian Burial was today, Monday, March 18, 2013, at 10:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Oberlin, Kansas with Rev. Mark Berland and Rev. Gary Brethour officiating. Lector was Dan Gutchewsky. Music was provided by John Juenemann. Interment was at Oberlin Cemetery, Oberlin, Kansas, with Military Rites by the Oberlin American Legion No. 70.

Memorials may be given to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, American Cancer Society and Disabled American Veterans (DAV.org). Condolences may be left at www.paulsfh.com.

Pauls Funeral Home of Oberlin and Selden, Kansas, is in charge of arrangements.