A. “Greg” Gregory Gutgsell, Jr., 95, of Bettendorf, Iowa passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, October 5, 2022 at his home. Funeral service to honor his memory will be held on Tuesday, October 11, 2022 at Weerts Funeral Home at 11am. Visitation will be on Monday, October 10, 2022 from 4-6pm at Weerts Funeral Home, with a Masonic Service starting at 4pm. Memorials in Greg’s name may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Greg was born on November 4, 1926 to Arthur and Ethel Gutgsell in New York City, New York. He graduated from Syracuse University with his bachelors in Civil Engineering. Greg was united in marriage to Emma “Micki” Leuthold on June 10, 1950; she passed away in 2005. While attending Bible Study he met Carol Schadt, they were married on January 28, 2007.
Greg was a market-driven, profit-tested executive that had forty-two years of domestic and international experience with four Fortune 500 Companies including working as an Executive Program Manager at John Deere in Moline, Illinois until 1992. Prior to that, he was the Manager of Factory Marketing at the John Deere Factory in Waterloo, Iowa from 1974 until 1985. While at John Deere he was recognized as an authority for low emission, energy efficient, and alternative fuel engines. In addition he introduced both simple and complex vehicles to American and foreign military; he validated productive benefits of purchases by real "Desert Storm" performance. He was the Division Vice President of Midwestland Cement Division formerly known as Dewey Portland Cement from 1968 until 1974. While working with Martin Marietta Cement Division in North Hampton, PA, he was corporate director of low cost housing in New York City, New York.
He was a steadfast Christian, attending Grace Evangelical Free Church and later Coram Deo Bible Church, where he had a close relationship with the staff. He was a deacon and elder for various congregations.
Greg was a proud patriot and proud American, he served his country with the United States Army during the Pacific War. He was the Area 9 Chairman of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve for the Secretary of Defense. He was also the Chairman for United Way of Blackhawk County and President of the Davenport and Waterloo Rotary Clubs. Greg was a member of Promise Keepers, the EAA, and supported many charitable organizations. During his youth, Greg was an Eagle Scout and continued his leadership as a Scout Leader for the Boy Scouts of America.
Everything that he did, he did with boldness and conviction. Greg enjoyed model railroads, Jazz music, skiing, sailing, and going to Rhode Island for vacations. He was a dedicated fan of the Pennsylvania Railroad and the Iowa Hawkeyes. Being a Veteran, he continued to support the United States Armed Forces and went on the Honor Flight. Greg was also a huge supporter of all the First Responders. He was a prolific contributor to various Editorial Pages and favored caller on the Mark Levin Talk Show.
Those left to honor his memory are his wife, Carol Schadt; sons Gregory (Mary) Gutgsell, DDS and Peter (Julie) Gutgsell; step children: Joni (Matt) Ketelaar, Gina Schadt, Annette (Bob) Beckwith, and Joe (Anita) Schadt; grandchildren Jessica "Mouse" (Nick), Sarah "Squirt Can" (Arnaud), and Gregory Donald “Wilbur” (Whitney); step-grandchildren: Maddie, Luke, Ben, Jessica, Jason, Maddie, Emily, Rob, Caleb, and Laura; four great-grandchildren; and two step-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his first wife Micki; his parents, and his brother Robert.
