Claude J. Gutowski

Claude was born on August 11, 1933, in Chapel Hill, Texas to parents Adam Gutowsky and Antonia Gorka. He married his beloved wife Mary in 1955, and the two shared 57 years of marriage before Mary's passing in 2012. Claude and Mary raised their 3 children together, and in his later years, he found great joy in his roles as grandfather and great grandfather and great great grandfather.

Claude attended school in Chappell Hill, Texas. A man of incredible grit and determination, he left school after the seventh grade to begin working. He went on to build a long and highly successful career as a skilled sheet rocker for Marek Brothers, a trade he mastered over decades. He then worked for Harris County Road and Bridge for 10 years. While maintaining his career, he simultaneously dedicated himself to the care and preservation of the family ranch, leaving behind a legacy of hard work and devotion.

Claude was a longtime member of Assumption Catholic Church in Houston, Texas.

An outdoorsman at heart, Claude found his joy in the quiet rhythm of nature. He was an avid fisherman and looked forward every season to hunting in Centerville, Texas. He also enjoyed caring for his cows on the ranch in Crockett.

Claude was preceded in death by his wife Mary Gutowski; parents Adam Gutowski and Antonia Gorka; and brother and sister-in-law Edmond and Josie Gutowski.

He is survived by his children Curtis and wife Sheryl Gutowski, Connie and husband Curtis Branam, and Claudia and husband Danny Bartkowiak; grandchildren Jennifer and husband Chris Jones, Ashley and husband James Angelo, Jeremy Gutowski, Amy Gutowski, Charles and wife Raina Branam, Curt Branam, Stephanie and husband Ryan Mattox, Cody and wife Kelsey Bartkowiak, Chance and wife Alexzandra Bartkowiak; great grandchildren Kailynn and Brayden House, Rylen Jones, Kashtyn Jones, Maxtyn Jones, James Angelo, Weston Angelo, Jayce Whitehead, Anistyn Gutowski, Magnolia Branam, Lane and wife Bailey Mattox, Rynn Mattox, Rylee Mattox, Arya Bartkowiak, Masyn Bartkowiak; and great great grandchild Oaklynn Mattox.

Serving as pallbearers are Jeremy Gutowski, Chris Jones, James Angelo IV, James Angelo V, Brayden House, Jayce Whitehead. Honorary Pallbearers are Curt Branam, and Charles Branam.

A visitation for Claude will be held on Thursday, September 17, 2026 for 5:00pm - 8:00pm at Forest Park The Woodlands Funeral Home & Cemetery, 18000 Interstate 45S, The Woodlands, TX 77384. Funeral services be held on Friday, September 18, 2026 at 9:00 am at the same location followed by a reception. Burial will be Friday, September 18, 2026 at 2:00pm at Forest Park Westheimer Funeral Home & Cemetery, 12800 Westheimer Rd., Houston, TX 77077.