Ronald R. Gutzky Sr., 83, of Galesburg, peacefully left this world, with his wife by his side, for Heaven to join his Lord and Savior, at 2 a.m. Monday, November 11, 2024, in OSF Richard Owens Hospice Home in Peoria.
He was born October 1, 1941, in Cleveland, Ohio, the son of Edwin and Ethel (Brouse) Gutzky. He married Rona B. Davis on March 28, 1993, at the United Church of Christ in Warren, Ohio.
He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Rona; three children, Ronald R. Gutzky Jr. of Houston, Texas, Carey R. Gutzky of Houston, and Laura M. Rosa of Cleveland; two stepchildren, Elizabeth J. (Robert) Davies of Cumming, Georgia, and Zachary M. Kaniewski of Cumming; and five grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Robert and Ralph Gutzky; and a sister, Sally Gutzky.
Ron was raised and educated in Cleveland, where he graduated from John Carroll University. He served in the United States Navy for six years.
Ron had a long and varied work career ranging from being a plant manager for Gould Manufacturing and Sherwin Williams to owning and operating five bowling alleys, including restoring Abbe Lanes in Abingdon. His retirement job was with First Student Bus Service. He began there as a school bus driver and retired as manager. While still living in Ohio, he had served as a Township Trustee.
He was a member of the former First Baptist Church in Galesburg, where he led the Board of Missions. Piloting his single engine Cessna was one of his favorite activities along with spending summers on his boat at The Flats in Cleveland. Ron was an avid sports fan and was a lifelong fan of the Cleveland Browns and Cleveland Guardians.
Visitation will be 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, November 16, 2024, at Faith Baptist Church. Funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. with Rev. Curt Lipe officiating. Burial with Military Honors will be in East Linwood Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Faith Baptist Church or the Knox County Humane Society. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral and Cremation Service is honored to serve the family. Online condolences and memories may be shared on the funeral home’s website at www.h-p-w.com.
