Wesley Eugene (Gene) Gutzman passed away Monday, December 30, 2013 at the Andbe Home in Norton at the age of 88. Gene was born February 15, 1925 in Almena, Kansas the son of Ernest A. & Edith E. (Cox) Gutzman. He graduated from Almena Rural High School in 1942.

He was united in marriage to Janice K. Standish on June 8, 1952 in Almena, Kansas. They made their home on a farm north of Almena, until moving into town in 2005.

Gene was committed to community service. Many will remember him as the scorer for numerous high school football and basketball games. He served on the Northern Valley School board, the Norton Coop board, the Rural Electric board and many other organizations. He was also active in the installation of rural telephone lines in the 1950s. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge and Shriners.

Gene loved his family, dogs, golf, sports, and hunting. His favorite was golf and he was a founding member of Prairie Dog Golf Association. Gene love spending winters in Pahrump, Nevada playing golf. He and Jan made lifelong friends during their years there. Gene was also always available to listen and give wise advice to all who sought him out.

Gene is survived by his wife Jan of Almena, a son, Ricci Gutzman of Almena; a daughter, Linda Hockenberry & husband, Dean of Roanoke, TX; 7 grandchildren; and 11 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, stepparents and a grandson, Cole Gutzman.

Cremation was planned. A Memorial Graveside Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 5th, 2014 in the Mount Hope Cemetery, Almena, Kansas with Pastor Steve Roe officiating.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.