James Stuart Gutknecht

Oct. 7, 1930 - Mar. 13, 2015

SOUTH BEND - James Stuart Gutknecht passed away Friday afternoon, March 13, in South Bend, Indiana. James was an only child, born on October 7, 1930, to Gustav C. Gutknecht and Wilomine Bennett Gutknecht. He graduated from Riley High School, class of 1949.

James was a member of Zion United Church of Christ, the same church his grandfather Theodore Gutknecht, a German immigrant attended in the 1870's as a tenor in the choir. Dad's family was brought up in the traditional German Lutheran church where Dad also served as a Deacon.

James married Patricia A. Miller in December, 1950. In 1969 on April 19th, James married Dorlene Chase from Plymouth, IN. She passed away on August 24, 2009.

James served in the Naval Reserves and was honorably discharged in May, 1958. He was an Industrial Engineer at Studebaker's, until they closed operations in South Bend in 1963. He retired in the mid 1980's as Superintendent at Miles Labs.

He leaves behind three children: Debra J. Covic (John) of Ohio, Janet K. Mitchell (William R.) of South Bend and James Scott Gutknecht of South Bend. Also he had 5 grandsons, Jacob W. (Nicole) Mitchell of Mishawaka, Steven J. Mitchell (Christine Singell) of Cincinnati, Ohio, Daniel J. Mitchell of South Bend, Jeffrey Watzman and Matthew Watzman, both of Ohio. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren, Quinn J. Mitchell and Riley J. Mitchell both of Mishawaka.

Dad was involved with the Riley High School Reunion Committee and deeply loved his Riley Wildcats. When his daughters, Debra and Jan went to Indiana University, James became a rabid IU basketball fan. He and Dorlene would travel around the country following their beloved team and enjoyed celebrating several National Championships. In fact, he died wearing his red IU sweater. James was a genius when it came to military history and sports statistics. He could remember every Riley football player from the 1940's, the number on their jersey, where they lived, what their parents' names were and what their dog's name was. We will miss his stories about growing up in South Bend; he could remember where every building used to be and where everyone used to live.

Special thanks to Meals on Wheels and the dedicated volunteers who came to Dad's door every day. He appreciated each and every one of you. A lifelong lover of animals, if you wish to donate to a special charity, Dad would love that you sent a check to Pet Rescue or Humane Society. Dad will be interred at Highland Cemetery and services will be private. To send condolences to the family log on to: www.McGannHay.com.

06.24.2022 djb

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