Brett Anthony Gutkowski, 30, of Adairsville, Georgia, passed away on April 7, 2026. Born on October 25, 1995, in Phoenix, Arizona, Brett carried with him a warmth and generosity that left a lasting mark on everyone fortunate enough to know him.
Brett graduated from Adairsville High School, where he discovered a passion for wrestling, a sport in which he not only competed, but excelled. The discipline, camaraderie, and life lessons he gained on the mat stayed with him long after his time in school. He went on to attend the University of Georgia, a place that deepened another great love in his life: UGA football. Whether it was a game day or an ordinary afternoon, Brett’s Bulldog pride was unmistakable.
He built a career as a restaurant manager, a role well-suited to his natural ability to connect with people and lead with patience and purpose. Outside of work, Brett could often be found learning about history, engaged in D&D sessions, playing video games, or, more likely than not, showing up for someone who needed him. That was, perhaps, the most defining quality of Brett’s character, his eagerness to lend a hand, without hesitation, to any person, in any place, for any task. He didn’t help others because it was convenient. He helped because it was simply who he was.
Brett is survived by his beloved brother, Justin (Grace) Gutkowski; his maternal grandfather, Wayne Sage; his aunt and uncle, Chrissy and Craig Robertson, who opened their home and hearts to raise Brett as their own, giving him a family full of love and belonging; and his cherished cousins and chosen siblings, Derek (Melissa) Robertson, Drew (Sarah) Robertson, and Janae Robertson. He is also survived by his niece and nephews, Eleanor, Tatum, Evan, Callen, and Elliott Robertson. He is further survived by his aunts and uncles, Doug (Brenda) Sage, Danny (Sondra) Sage, Terri (Ken) Nabak, Gregory (Tamara) Gutkowski, and Kathryn (George) Zapotocky, as well as many other loving family members who will hold him close in memory.
Brett was preceded in death by his father, William Gutkowski; his mother, Tamara Gutkowski; his maternal grandmother, Virginia Sage; his paternal grandparents, Richard and Karen Gutkowski; and his beloved nephew, Silas Robertson.
Visitation will be at 1:00 p.m., Monday, April 13, 2026 with a memorial service to follow at 2:00 p.m., at NorthPointe Church, 30 Orchard Road, Adairsville, Georgia 30103. Graveside services will be at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at Silent Home Cemetery, 1401 160th Avenue, Cameron, Illinois 61423. In honor of Brett’s love for wrestling and the programs that helped shape him, the family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Adairsville Middle School and High School Wrestling Programs. These programs were deeply dear to Brett, and contributions will go toward uniforms, equipment, and other needs, helping future wrestlers grow and shine, just as Brett once did. McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth, IL is in charge of the local arrangements. For more information or to leave an online condolence please visit, www.mcguireanddaviesfuneralhome.com or http://everloved.com/life-of/brett-gutkowski.
