Robert L. Gutschow, 74, of Sheboygan, passed away on Tuesday, February 19, 2013 while on vacation in St. Martin with his family. Born October 10, 1938 in Sheboygan, Robert was a son of the late Lawrence and Marie Yurk Gutschow. He attended Jefferson grade school and graduated from Sheboygan North High School in 1957. He then attended the U.W. Stout in Menomonie, WI. On May 2, 1959, he was united in marriage to Donna Mae Cesar at Trinity Lutheran Church in Sheboygan. Bob owned and operated Larry's Distributing which he bought from his dad, Lawrence, in 1974 and expanded it into Manitowoc and Calumet counties. He added new rights and brands to the company's lineup over the years which led to many business awards from Anheuser Busch, Miller Coors and other suppliers. Eventually, the business that began in 1947 as one of 13 wholesalers in Sheboygan County became the last one standing. He was an active member of St. Paul Evangelical. Lutheran Church and was a member of the National Guard Red Arrow Unit. He belonged to the Sheboygan Elks Lodge #299, golfed on many leagues at Town and Country Golf Course, volunteered for Meals on Wheels and was a member of the Old Timers Club. Bob loved many sports, including basketball, football and baseball, even trying out for the St. Louis Cardinals. He was a Hall of Fame member of the Sheboygan Softball Association, the Sheboygan Diamond Club and the Sheboygan Bowling Association. Bob and Donna are very involved in the Sheboygan community and supported many youth and adult sporting activities. On their 35th anniversary, they started the Sheboygan County Children with Cancer Fund to provide financial assistance to families of children with cancer. He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Donna; his children, Pamela (Dennis) Decker, Sheboygan, Lisa (Michael) Crocker, Sheboygan, Todd (Amy) Gutschow, Kohler, and Tyson (Jennifer) Gutschow, Sheboygan; 14 grandchildren, Shaun Decker, Holly (Shawn) Lamb, Kyle Decker, Ian, Tia, Colin and Brynn Crocker, Kira, Casey, Elyse and Ryah Gutschow, and Tyra, Taylor and Spencer Gutschow; two great grandchildren, Cora and Harvey Lamb. He is further survived by his good friend and brother-in-law, Kenneth (Debbie) Cesar, Sheboygan; nieces, nephews, his Wednesday golf buddies, other relatives and many friends. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, James Gutschow. Funeral services for Robert will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 28, 2013 at St. Paul Evangelical. Lutheran Church, 13th & Lincoln Avenue. The Rev. Alan Kretschmar will officiate. Family and friends are welcome at the Lippert-Olson Funeral Home, 1132 Superior Avenue, on Wednesday, February 27, 2013 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. and again on Thursday at the church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service. Interment will take place at Lutheran Cemetery. A memorial fund has been established in his name. The Lippert-Olson Funeral Home has been entrusted with Bob's arrangements.
