Alvaro Gutierrez, 93, died at 4:26 p.m. Sunday, February 6, 2022 at home.
Al was born October 11, 1928 in Kerrville, TX the son of Dionicio and Gregoria (Lopez) Gutierrez. He met the love of his life, Olivia Vargas and they were married September 29, 1947 in Kerrville, TX. She preceded him in death on April 20, 2020. He survives. Their 72 year marriage brought five children, Emily (George) Ayala of Chicago, Don of Galesburg, Alvaro, Jr. of Tacoma, WA, Henry (Eva) of San Antonio, TX, and Cindy (Pedro) Garcia of Chicago; nine grandchildren; numerous great and great great grandchildren; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Along with his beloved wife, Olivia, Al was preceded in death by his parents and four brothers, Alphonso, Alfredo, Alex, and Ray.
At a young age, Al began working in the fields in Texas eventually moving to Illinois where he began working for Burlington Railroad. He went on to work at OMC Gale Products and retired as a supervisor at United Facilities. He was a devout member of St. Patrick Catholic Church, where he volunteered many hours as well as serving as an usher for many years. Al loved traveling with Olivia and thoroughly enjoyed playing golf. He was a fan of all Chicago sports teams, especially the Cubs.
Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, February 10, 2022 at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg with the rosary being prayed at 7 p.m. Funeral Mass for Al will be 10 a.m. Friday, February 11, 2022 at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Galesburg. The mass will be lived streamed at www.watsonthomas.com. Father William T. Miller will officiate. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Galesburg. The family requests memorial donations be made to St. Patrick Catholic Church, Galesburg. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
