Peter Joseph Gurtner

Peter Joseph Gurtner, born on Mardi Gras day February 17, 1931, entered into the Gates of Heaven on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at the age of 94. He was preceded in death by his parents Robert H. Gurtner and Elizabeth Alice Haney Gurtner of New Orleans, LA; his loving wife of nearly 62 years, Josephine Gunter Gurtner of Brockton, Alabama; sons Richard W Smythe and Ronald A Smythe; daughter Debra G Smythe and grandson Richard W Smythe, Jr.

Although Pete never had children of his own, he proudly accepted the role of Dad and Pawpaw to Josie's children. Left to cherish his memory are his daughters Susan (Charlie) Culver, and Catherine Joanne Loyacono; grandchildren: Dorey (Arturo) Mejia, Loryn (Joseph) Matthews, Kathy (Trampas) Haley, Angela (Mark) DeNicolo, Tami (Damien) Dietrich, Judith Smythe (Jason Bourgeois), Jennifer (Todd) Estopinal, Jessica (Joseph Shanahan) Loyacono; great-grandchildren: Alexandra, Austin, Alyssa, Caroline, Samuel, Greg, Chris, Chase, Andrew, Ava, Dawson, Amelia, Josie, Jason, Anthony and Ayden; several nieces and nephews, and friends Lucille Brehm (Clarence), and Colleen Lumpkin (Joshua).

As a patriot for his country, Pete served in the US Navy until December 20, 1949 and the US Army until July 20, 1951. His career consisted of working for Dorignac's Food Center in New Orleans as a butcher, (where he met the love of his life, Josie); as a machinist with Gulf Engineering, and as a handyman for local apartment complexes. As a faithful member of Williams Boulevard Baptist Church in Kenner, he served as Deacon, Usher, Bus Driver, and accepted any other roles offered or needed.

Pete loved being with people- telling jokes, sharing his past, and especially, how he came to accept the Lord Jesus Christ as his Savior and how his life was changed. His favorite pastime was fishing. He and Josie enjoyed fishing, attending church and gospel concerts, growing vegetable or flower gardens, reading, playing tabletop games, assembling jigsaw puzzles, watching movies, and gathering the family together. Pete was seen throwing the ball in the yard at 89 years old to his great-grandson and complaining of his aches the next day! Having Debbie and Dorey's family living next door was a daily comfort, providing laughter and love. Being known as jovial, kind, loving, and sweet-spirited, he enjoyed a blessed life and will be tremendously missed by all. His joyful smile will forever reside in all of our hearts. Above all, he loved Jesus and Josie, and is now in heaven with them.

Special thanks to Dorey, Arturo and Loryn for their faithful, knowledgeable and loving support for Pete during his latter times. Also, thanks to Reverend Earl Hodges of Olive Branch Ministries Church, a long-time family friend, for always being at Pete's side, providing encouragement and prayers, and to Keandra Thomas and Megan Starwood of Heart of Hospice for providing excellent, compassionate care.

Reverend Hodges will officiate a Memorial Service at Leitz-Eagan Funeral Home, 4747 Veterans Memorial Blvd. in Metairie, LA on Tuesday March 11, 2025. Relatives and friends are invited to attend visitation beginning at 9:30 AM, with a memorial service to follow at 11:30 AM. The family requests that Pete's favorite color- Money Green or any green- be worn in his honor.