James A. Gutenberg

James A. Gutenberg, age 86 of Friendship, died May 5, 2017 at Wausau Manor.

Memorial services will be 2:30 p.m. on Friday June 9, 2017 at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses at 1826 Hwy 13, Friendship. Todd Green will officiate. Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service. Interment will be at the Valhalla Cemetery, Milwaukee at a later date.

Jim was born January 30, 1931 in Milwaukee to Andrew and Evelyn (Fuchs) Gutenberg. He graduated from Riverside High School in Milwaukee. Jim married Carol Brunow on June 19, 1955 in Milwaukee at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses at 46th St. & Glendale Ave.

At 12 years old, while traveling back to Milwaukee from vacationing in Minocqua with the family, Jim’s dad failed an emergency appendectomy surgery in Stevens Point. As a fatherless boy, how he now missed being around his Dad, at home and in the family businesses of Machine shop and “THE GRAND” theatre located on 2917 N. Holton St. An employee and co-inventor (https://www.google.com/patents/US2167110 ) with Jim’s dad, Rodger L. Brower, reached out to Jim and bore witness to Jesus’ Kingdom, establishing by scripture the marvelous hope that awaits believers, namely, unending life and the resurrection of the dead, including his dad, all in a restored earthly paradise with no war, but instead true peace and security. Jim investigated the Bible’s message and was baptized on 4-13-1952.

He moved to Belvidere IL. to preach the Word. He supported himself part-time at Winter’s auto repair garage in Milwaukee. Jim met his true love Carol. They married and planned to devote much time together to the preaching work, but things changed on 9-14-1956 with the birth of Glen. Seventeen months later, Gay was added to the family on 2-18-1958. Jim now worked full time at Barnes Auto Service in Belvidere. He bought out the Barnes’ father and later the son too. But Jim wanted to devote more time to sharing Bible truth and so, sold the business and downsized. Wanting to help a newly established Congregation in Adams-Friendship, Jim sold all and moved here in 1972. As an Elder in the congregation, he benefited as many as he could, all the while preaching weekly in the public ministry. Glen and Jim founded together a Wisconsin Corporation on 7-1-1978. J & G REBUILDERS & SUPPLY, INC. Together they worked to remanufacture high quality starters and alternators for diesel equipment. Today, thanks to Jim, the business continues to be successful, with Glen’s son, Alex, now continuing the tradition. Jim effectively balanced all his responsibilities. Husband (57 yrs), Father, Provider, Elder, Preacher, Businessman, Friend.

Jim enjoyed life. He liked flying his 7-seat airplane. He liked to sail too. He also enjoyed simple things like swimming. His favorite swimming hole was Crystal Lake in Sayner. His favorite website was jw.org. He found it refreshing, positive, and uniting. Jim also enjoyed studying the Bible with his family and with those that took an interest, many progressing to baptism themselves and then in turn helping others to learn Bible truths. Jim gave generously of himself but has everything in the end. (Mark 10:23-30)
Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Carol Gutenberg; parents, Andrew & Evelyn Gutenberg; sister, June Rowland; mother in law, Mary Bolin; step-father in law, Francis Bolin; sister in law, Barbara Abrahamson; and son in law, Eric Burch.

Survivors include his son, Glen (Christine) Gutenberg of Arkdale, Wisconsin; daughter, Gay (Eric) Burch of Ingleside, Illinois; granddaughter, Vanessa Gutenberg of Friendship, Wisconsin; granddaughter, Elizabeth (Ben) Bowe of Wausau, Wisconsin; grandson, Aaron (Crystal) Burch of DeKalb, Illinois; great-granddaughter, Ila Burch of DeKalb, Illinois; great-grandson, Graham Burch of DeKalb, Illinois; grandson, Alexander Gutenberg of Adams, Wisconsin; and grandson, Justin (Veronica) Burch of Wallkill, New York. Jim was further survived by cousins, nieces, nephews and many friends.