Obituary of GEORGE HENRY GUTIERREZ

GEORGE HENRY GUTIERREZ, 53 of Lodi, entered into rest on Monday, November 10, 2003 at a Lodi hospital following a brief illness. He was born on March 18, 1950 in Stockton, the son of Enrique Gutierrez and Aurora Cardenas. Mr. Gutierrez was a lifetime resident of San Joaquin County. He worked as a material-handling supervisor at General Mills, where he began his career in 1971. He served his country as a Staff Sergeant in Alpha Battery, First Battalion, 143rd Field Artillery of the California National Guard from 1970 until he was honorably discharged in 1976. On August 11, 1973, he married Pamela Sue Schuber, who would be come his wife of 30 years. They made their home in Lodi, and their marriage was blessed with the birth of their two children. Mr. Gutierrez was a member of St. Anne's Catholic Church and was active as a parent and grandparent volunteer at St. Anne's School. He was a devoted family man who lived life to its fullest and never took anything for granted. He cherished every moment he spent with his wife, children, grandchildren and friends. He was kind, compassionate and caring. He would always extend a helping hand to those in need. He was longtime fan and season ticket-holder of the San Francisco 49ers, as well as the Giants, Yankees and Sacramento Kings. He enjoyed going to the movies, going to Disneyland, golfing, snow skiing, walking the dog and other outdoor activities. He loved to visit local casinos and would spend his anniversary and other special occasions in the Lake Tahoe area with his wife and family. He always looked forward to the Christmas holiday season, and dressing as Santa Claus to spread the spirit of joy to those around him, warming hearts and bringing smiles to all. He was an animal lover and was very fond of his pets, particularly his dogs Prancer and Mustang. He was the "best friend anyone could have". Mr. Gutierrez is survived by his beloved wife, Pam Gutierrez of Lodi, his loving son, Kristopher George Gutierrez and loving daughter Kelley Lynne Holbert and her husband Courtney; three dearest granddaughters, Brittany Taylor, Breanna Tanae, and Brenae Talyn Holbert, all of Lodi. He is also survived by his parents, Enrique and Aurora Gutierrez of Holt; one brother, Henry Gutierrez of Stockton; and four sisters, Lupe Harris of Livingston, Mary and Carmen Gutierrez of Stockton, and Martha Gonzales of Lodi; and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and other loving relatives and friends. Friends are invited to call for visitations on Saturday, November 15th from 12:00 Noon to 6:00 PM, and on Sunday, November 16th from 9:00 AM to 6 PM at Lodi Funeral Home, 725 S. Fairmont Avenue in Lodi. Recitation of the Rosary will be at 4:00 PM Sunday at the funeral home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 A.M. on Monday, November 17th At St. Anne?s Catholic Church, 215 W. Walnut Avenue in Lodi. Rev. Father Harmon Skillin of St. Luke's Catholic Church in Stockton, officiating. Cryptside Committal with military honors will follow at Sierra View Mausoleum at Cherokee Memorial Park, Highway 99 at Harney Lane in Lodi. A virtual register book of remembrances can be signed by visiting www.lodifuneralhome.com. To honor his memory, memorial contributions may be made to a trust fund setup for his granddaughters Brittany, Breanna and Brenae Holbert at Farmers and Merchant Bank, 1040 W. Kettleman Lane, Lodi, CA 95240, c/o Pam Gutierrez, Trustee. Lodi Funeral Home is entrusted with the funeral arrangements.