Oswaldo ‘Ozzie’ Gutierrez

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Oswaldo Gutierrez Sr, age 90, of Dorr. Oswaldo, fondly known as Ozzie, was born on May 16, 1933 to Teodoso and Elvira in Los Nogales Nuevo Leon, Mexico.

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 70 years, Josie; children, Oswaldo Gutierrez Jr, David (Christie) Gutierrez, Gloria (Lew) Carlson, Linda Tjalsma; 12 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Jose Santos; all of his brothers and sisters; in-laws, Santos and Natividad Alvarez; son-in-law, Richard Tjalsma.

Ozzie came to the United States as a migrant worker in 1951 seeking a better life for his family. He had many jobs and ambitions in his life, finally starting his own construction company in the early 80s. G&M Construction had over 30 dedicated employees. Ozzie lived a very full and rewarding life providing endless support for his community; even reaching out to individuals and organizations that he had read about and offering them assistance in their time of need. Most notably raising money for the Byron Center veterans and participating in missionary work in Guatemala with Friendship Christian Reformed Church, of which he was an active member. More than anything, Ozzie loved his grandchildren. There was nothing he wouldn’t do for them and that love was evident as they all traveled home as quickly as possible to see their beloved grandpa one last time before his passing.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 am on Friday, September 1 at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church, 1253 52nd Street SE, Kentwood, with Rev. Steven Cron officiating. Burial will be held at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. Relatives and friends may meet the family Thursday from 5-7 pm at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home, 4646 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Kentwood, with a Rosary at 6:30 pm and on Friday at 10 am at the church before services. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make memorial contributions to Gentiva Hospice.