Joanne D. Gutzki

Joanne Dawn (Dolton) Gutzki was born in Bath, Michigan on February 24, 1939, the daughter of Helen (Heath) and Lester Joe Dolton, who predecease her. She graduated from Bath High School in 1957 and married the love of her life, Charles A. Gutzki, Sr. on June 14, 1958, who also predeceases her. She is survived by her four children, Charles Jr. (Alice) of Grand Ledge, Christopher of Houghton Lake, Joel (Teresa) of Bath, Lisa (Tim) Hinds of Haslett. She leaves behind 12 much loved grandchildren, Kelly (Jeb) Tackett, Brad (Sam) Gutzki, Susie (Eric) York, Abi (Jeremy) Heimsoth, Audrey (Aaron) Kemp, Adrienne Gutzki, Chris (Jen) Gutzki, Joel, Caleb & Maddi Gutzki, and Elizabeth & David Hinds. She has 11 great-grandchildren (and two more coming soon!) – Cade, Elle & Chloe Tackett, Eli, Charlotte & Hannah York, Elsa & Oscar Heimsoth, Ashlyn Kemp, Kealeigh & Lenna Gutzki. Joanne is also survived by her sisters and best friends, Agnes Miller and Patricia Bell of Bath and Betty Bollinger of Maine. Joanne was a life-long resident of Bath and she loved being a part of this community. She truly knew she lived in the best place in the world with the best of folks. She retired as a school bus driver from Bath Public Schools where she loved her work and all the kids of Bath. She touched many lives through her activities and loved helping others. She was a true giver, viewing the care of her family and friends as the highest purpose in life. She was a gentle soul, relentlessly positive, and lived with a deep sense of gratitude. She was raised in the Bath Baptist Church in had a strong faith in the Lord, knowing that this life is just a warm up for better things to come. The past several years have been difficult to navigate with the ravages of Alzheimer’s disease taking its toll. The family would like to thank the Ingham County Medical Care Facility for the professional and compassionate care shown to her. Also, a special thank you to friends who continued to keep her in their prayers and visit her, hold her hand and give her a hug when it wasn’t always the easiest place to see your friend. Alzheimer’s disease brutally attacks its victims, but Joanne always continued to smile and retain the sweetness of her personality. She is now fully restored and with her beloved Chuck and her family and friends that have passed on before her. Halleluja! In lieu of flowers the family appreciates a donation to the Ingham County Medical Care Facility in memory of Joanne. The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, Lansing Chapel. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.grlansing.com.