Michael L. Gutsch

Michael L. Gutsch, 71, passed away at his home surrounded by family on September 25, 2017, after a valiant fight with cancer. He was born October 31, 1945, in Los Angeles, CA to Edmund B. Gutsch and Elzira (Bettencourt Gutsch) Robertson. Mike graduated from North High School in Torrance, CA in 1963, where he met the love of his life and soul mate, Marjorie Patty. They were married in 1966. They have been married over 51 years. Mike graduated from El Camino Jr. College in Torrance and Long Beach State. Mike retired as a Captain with the Tulare County Sheriff's Department in 2003 after 28 years of service. He started his career in law enforcement as a cadet with the Hermosa Beach Police Department, and then served 8 years with the Huntington Beach Police Department from 1967 to 1975, for a total of over 38 years of service. He was a mentor to many over the years. He also served in the California National Guard for six years. Mike was an avid fisherman, had many great fishing buddies and belonged to the Kaweah Fly Fishers. Mike and Marge loved to spend time traveling in their RV, whether it be to our local beaches or other gorgeous areas. One of his favorite places was Oregon. They were members of the Mixed Nuts RV Group. Mike also enjoyed model trains, built several beautiful layouts and was a member of the Visalia Electric Railroad Modelers and Historical Society. Mike was also a member of the Visalia Elks Lodge. However, what Mike was most proud of was his family. Spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren meant so much to him. He loved sharing with them his joy of fishing, RVing and trains. Mike impacted so many people with his infectious smile, positive, helpful attitude and love of life and was known for treating people fairly and with great respect. Mike was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Paul Gutsch. He is survived by his wife, Marge, his daughter Michelle Nuckols and her husband Justin of Porterville, his daughter Marlea Lyon and her husband Mark of Atascadero, his beloved grandchildren, Tanner Nuckols and Carson Nuckols of Porterville, and Maryn Lyon and Michael Lyon of Atascadero. He is also survived by his sister, Peggy Martin and her husband Gary of Tucson, AZ, his sister, Mary Cahill and her husband Jim of Visalia and his sister, Carol Selsted and her husband Rich of San Francisco. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews that he loved dearly. His family invites you to join them for a celebration of Mike's life on October 14, at 12:00 p.m. at the Visalia Elks Lodge, 3100 W. Main St., Visalia. Mike's arrangements are entrusted to Salser and Dillard Funeral Chapel, Visalia. A memorial tribute may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue, 7495 Natomas Rd, Elverta, CA 95626, or Visalia Electric Railroad Modelers and Historical Society, P.O. Box 3605, Visalia, CA 93278.

Michael L. Gutsch

October 31, 1945 - September 25, 2017