Dr. Mark E. Gutzke

THE Reverend Doctor Mark Elias-

"Because Thy Loving kindness is better than life...my lips shall praise thee." The Reverend Doctor Mark Elias Gutzke, Pastor Emeritus of Chapel Woods Presbyterian Church in Snellville, GA, entered the Lord's presence on Thursday, February 17, at his home in Snellville, Georgia. He was 78. Mark Gutzke was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada on September 24, 1926, and for the past 25 years has lived in the Decatur/Snellville area. Upon graduation from Decatur Boys' High, Mark attended Erskine College in Due West, S.C., and a year later joined the United States Navy and served as a Pharmacist's Mate 3rd Class during World War II. Upon his honorable discharge on July 6, 1946, he returned to Erskine for a year. In 1948, he met and married Mildred Cooper. He transferred to the University of Georgia where he graduated in 1951 with a Bachelor of Science (Chemistry major) and graduated in 1953 with a Master's degree in Chemistry. He also worked with the United States Public Health Service (CDC-Mycology) from 1948 to 1950. In 1956, he received his Ph.D in Organic Chemistry from the University of Oklahoma. During this time, Dr. Gutzke was a member of Sigma Chi, Phi Lambda Epsilon and Phi Sigma. In 1956, Dr. Gutzke took a job with Monsanto Chemical Company in Dayton, Ohio as a chemist and was an active member of Westminster Presbyterian Church. In 1963, Dr. Gutzke felt God's leading and entered Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, Georgia for training to become a pastor. Upon completion of his seminary training in 1966, Rev. Gutzke became the pastor of Perry Presbyterian Church in Perry, Georgia and served for 6 years. Then he was called to become pastor of Northshore Presbyterian Church in Jacksonville, Florida, where he served 8 years and in 1980 he accepted the call to become Pastor of Chapel Woods Presbyterian Church in Decatur, Georgia. Rev. Gutzke was honored as Pastor Emeritus in 2002 and continued to remain active until his death. Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Mildred Cooper Gutzke, and children, Rev. Patrick K and Elise Gutzke Carlson of Olney, MD, Dr. Jay and Elaine Gutzke Johnson of Birmingham, AL, Walter and Sally Ware Gutzke of Decatur, GA and Grady and Ruth Gutzke Hurst of Tulsa, OK. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Dr. Rachel C. Kruspe, Rebecca E. Carlson, William Mark Curtis, Amanda Hoyt Curtis, Jerry Gutzke, Patrick Ware, Jennifer Ware Erdoes, Julie E. Hurst, Mary Hurst Armstrong and John Manford Hurst and great-grandchildren: Riley Gutzke, Coen Gutzke,Christian Hamilton, Hayes Hamilton and Emma Erdoes; sisters Dr. Miriam G. Burke of Austin, TX and Mrs. Elizabeth G. Grier of Greenwood, SC; brother, John H. Gutzke of Austin, TX. Rev. Gutzke was predeceased by his parents, Dr. Manford George and Sarah Bernstein Gutzke and his brother, Peter Daniel Gutzke. The funeral will be held on Monday, February 21st 2005 at 11:OO am at Decatur Presbyterian Church, 205 Sycamore Street, Decatur, GA. Visitation will be held at A. S. Turner & Sons Funeral Home from 4 to 7 pm on Sunday, February 20. Burial will be in Decatur Cemetery following the funeral service. A. S. Turner & Sons