Valentine 'Billy' Gutowski, age 97 years old, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2023 at his home in Muskegon. He went into the eternal arms of our Lord.

He was born Feb. 5, 1926 in Manistee, Michigan and was the son of Jacob and Frances (Oleniczak) Gutowski who preceded him in death. Billy married Linda Talarico on Sep. 28, 1985 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Manistee. They were married 38 years. He was preceded in death by his sisters and brothers-in-law, Mary & Ed Williams, Florence & Barney Rockwell; brothers and sisters-in-law, Mickey & Cecilia Gutowski, Richard & Shirley Gutowski, Gordon & Maureen Gutowski, Brother-in-law, Bill Tomczak and sister-in-law, Lori Talarico.

Billy left high school as a senior to serve our country in World War II, graduation came after the war. He was employed in the lab at the Packaging Corporation of America, and retired in 1980. He was an avid outdoorsman, all of his life, from fishing on creeks, lake Michigan and West Bay to yearly deer, bear and fish camps. Billy was a woodworker making gifts for many, along with sharing his daily fish catches. He also built three homes. He and his wife were also owners of Mancino's Pizzas and Grinders of Traverse City, Michigan. He loved his faith and family very much.

He is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Linda Gutowski; step-daughters, Maria (Ryan) Stockdale and Hanna Peterson; grandchildren, Anthony, Hayden and Emma; his brother and sister-in-law, Jim & Charlotte Gutowski; his sisters, Catherine Tomczak and Jeanette Weaver; his brother-in-law, Steven (Cameron) Talarico; sister-in-law, Lucia (Don) Buckley, sister-in-law, Paticia (Kelly) Radel, Frank (Sandra) Vander Slute, Daniel (Shelia) Vander Slute. Numerous loving nieces and nephews also survive him.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023 at 11a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Manistee with Reverend Mitchel Roman celebrant. Burial will follow at Mt. Carmel Cemetery in Manistee where the members of the Manistee County United Veterans Council Ritual Squad will conduct military honors.

Relatives and friends will pray the rosary, Friday evening, Oct. 20, 2023 at the Herbert Funeral Home in Manistee, where the evening vigil service will be prayed at 8p.m. also at the funeral home.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday from 2 to 4p.m. and 7 to 9p.m. and on Saturday morning from 10a.m. until leaving for the church at 10:40a.m.

Memorials in Billy's name will be established for Hospice of Michigan and St. Jude's Childrens Hospital. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

The Herbert Funeral Home of Manistee is in charge of funeral arrangements.