Frank Gutierrez Jr.

Frank Gutierrez, Jr., 66, of Peoria passed away at 10:03 p.m., Thursday, November 2, 2017 at Unity Point Health Proctor Hospital. Frank was born February 25, 1951 in Peoria, IL to Frank Gutierrez, Sr. and Hazel Maurine (Blackburn). He was previously married to Lynn Saltsman. He was preceded in death by Frank Gutierrez, Sr. and brother, Vincent Gutierrez. Frank is survived by one son, Frank Lynn Gutierrez of Peoria. He is also survived by his mother; four sisters, Judith K. Gutierrez (Leibel-Kellogg) of Peoria, Mrs. Chery L. (Gayle) Lamie of Peoria, Mrs. Olivia M. (John) Tallarico of Scottsdale, AZ, and Mrs. Dessel J. (Robert) Dixon of Gilbert, AZ; one brother, Alex R Gutierrez of Peoria, and many nieces and nephews. After graduating from Richwoods High School in 1969, he attended and graduated from Culver-Stockton College in Canton, MO where he was awarded a basketball scholarship. Frank received numerous awards: twice NAIA All-American Honorable Mention, 3 times NAIA All-District, twice Culver-Stockton MVP and Missouri College All-State '73. He also received the W.A. Herington Memorial and Jack Kavanaugh Awards. Frank was inducted into the Culver-Stockton College Hall of Fame in 1996 and into the Team Hall of Fame in 2017 as a member of the 1971-72 team. He was also a proud member of the Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity. After graduating from Culver-Stockton College in 1973, Frank played semi-pro basketball on a few teams in Puerto Rico for three years. Upon returning to Peoria, he worked at Caterpillar for 10 years. Frank later entered the teaching profession, teaching mathematics and Phys. Ed. in the Peoria Heights and Peoria Public Schools Districts for 30 years. He was also an assistant track coach during his time at Manual High School. In 1999, Frank received a Master of Arts in Teaching & Leadership from Saint Xavier University. He retired from teaching in 2014. Frank loved spending time with family and friends, especially watching his son play the tuba in the Western Illinois University Marching Band and later in the Peoria Municipal Band and the Prairie Wind Ensemble. He had an infectious sense of humor and loved to laugh, even at himself. Frank also enjoyed his rigorous walks. His visitation service will be at 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Friday, November 10, 2017 at the Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel, 2021 N. University St., Peoria, IL 61604. The memorial service will be at 6:20 p.m., by Father Giles Gilbert. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Retired Teachers Association. Online condolences may be left at www.davison-fulton.com.