John V. Gutchess, 83, of Bedford, Michigan, passed away on Thursday, December 24, 2020 after a long battle with cancer. He was born on August 29, 1937, the son of Vern L. Gutchess and Gladys Helen (Rogers) Gutchess. He attended Hastings Schools; including, the Durfee One-Room Schoolhouse in Baltimore Township. John served in the U.S. Army as a tank mechanic and was stationed in Germany. He worked at the VA for several years.
John is survived by his son, Alex (Vicki) Gutchess; daughter, Tammy (Jason Braybrooks) Peterson; three grandchildren, Alexandra, Julianne and Vance; brother, Robert (Julie) Gutchess and significant other, Carol Scroggins. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Karen Cann.
John always tried to make people smile and laugh. He lit up a room and things were always brighter with him around. He was a very humble man; he always wanted to help and was always there for other people. John loved the color purple and always had a Sharpie Marker with him.
In accordance with John's wishes, cremation has taken place and he will be interred at Fort Custer National Cemetery.