Robert E. Gutsche, age 86, of Tomah, WI, stepped into eternity on December 30, 2025, with his wife, Jeannie, at his side. He is now resting in the presence of his Savior.
Bob was born October 19, 1939, to Darwin “Butch” and Anne (Dittman) Gutsche, in Milwaukee, WI. His childhood was spent in Milwaukee, with long visits to his grandparents’ farm in Tomahawk, WI. He graduated from Custer High School in 1957, having served in the Navy Reserve while still in high school. Immediately upon graduation, he transitioned to active duty in the Navy, serving largely as a crew chief, beginning a 21-year career of military service. During his tenure, Bob supported various squadrons on ships across the globe in several capacities, including working as a parachute rigger and maintaining survival equipment. He especially valued his time spent working with the Navy’s Blue Angels.
While earning his master’s degree in Social Work, Bob worked at several VA (Veterans Administration) hospitals, ultimately serving 23 years as a clinical social worker at the Tomah (WI) VA Medical Center, beginning in 1984. In addition to conducting group therapy and helping veterans navigate the health care system at the VA, he was integral to the development and early management of a program at Fort McCoy, near Tomah, which housed veterans experiencing homelessness. Bob also served as a national representative for the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans and as a VA liaison for VietNow. He tendered newspaper op-eds and letters-to-the-editor, as well as much correspondence to elected officials at the state and national levels about veteran rights. His experience also contributed to testimony he gave before government officials on the state of the VA.
A devoted husband who cared for immediate and extended family members, Bob was also a dedicated Green Bay Packer’s fan – and shareholder – who sometimes followed the Milwaukee Brewers, if they were doing well enough. For years, he was an active member of Ducks Unlimited, where his luck led to a consistent expansion of his gun collection. A member of Bethel Baptist Church, in Camp Douglas, WI, Bob was nicknamed “Snack Man” at the church’s weekly Good News Club where children learn about the love of Christ. He also portrayed the disciple Thomas in Bethel’s annual Passion Play.
Bob brought a wry and witty humor to conversations, calmness to serious situations, and a grounding in the Lord. He will be missed by all.
He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Imogene “Jeannie” (Georgeson) Brasic; his children from his first marriage (Betty Schultz): Donna (Tim) McGarity, Mark, and Terri Gutsche of Florida; his son from his second marriage (Hope McKellar): Robert E. (Carolina) Gutsche, Jr. of Weston, Florida; his stepsons: the late Mathew (Gerlyn) Brasic of Bangor, WI, and James (Erica) Brasic of Kansas, OH. He is further survived by 14 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, his mother-in-law Edna Georgeson, a brother in-law Kenneth (Sherry) Georgeson, a sister-in-law Susan Ludeking, and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, stepson Mathew Brasic, father-in-law Elmer Georgeson, brothers-in-law Arvid Georgeson and Gary Ludeking, and nephew Joshua John Georgeson.
A Funeral service will be Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Bethel Baptist Church, N9498 1st Avenue, Camp Douglas, WI. Pastors Ronald Davidson and Ian Fennell will officiate. Burial will be in the Camp Douglas Cemetery with military honors. Family and friends are invited to call for a time of visitation on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Online condolences may be sent to www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com. The Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.
Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home
