Hilda F. Gutwein Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Hilda F. Gutwein, 89 of Bluffton, was welcomed into the arms of her Heavenly Father and Savior on Wednesday morning, October 27, 2021, at Visiting Nurse & Hospice Home in Fort Wayne. Hilda was born on June 7, 1932 in Cervenka, Yugoslavia to Ludwig & Luisa (Koch) Welker. As a young girl, Hilda’s family was forced to leave their homeland and become refugees in Austria. She obtained a Doctorate of Dentistry in Piesendorf, Austria. She received her cosmetology degree while living in Lafayette. Hilda worked as a Dental Technician, restaurant and hotel owner / operator for decades. Hilda married Erven D. Gutwein on June 13, 1959 in Lafayette. They shared 32 years before he preceded her in death on March 6, 1991. Hilda was an active member of Hope Missionary Church in Bluffton and volunteered for many years at the Bargin Hut, the food bank, and Forgotten Children Worldwide. Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Dawn E. (James J.) Kazmierzak of Fort Wayne and a granddaughter, Ellie Kazmierzak, all of Fort Wayne. She also leaves behind a sister, Julia (Welker) Baumann of Mansfield, OH, a twin sister, Luisa (Welker) Bratt of Warrenton, MO., a sister-in-law, Gertrude Welker of Winamac and nieces & nephews; G. Christl Nahrath and Louisa Jordan, both of Milwaukee, WI., Norman Welker and Gery Welker, both of Winamac, Ronald Baumann and Marlene Baumann of Mansfield OH. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband and siblings; Christan Welker, Gisela (Welker) Roth, Edward Welker, Conrad Welker and Ludwig Welker, Jr. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date. Burial will take place at the Roseland Cemetery in Francesville, Indiana. Memorial may be made in Hilda’s memory to Visiting Nurse & Hospice Home or Forgotten Children Worldwide, and can be sent to the funeral home. Hilda’s arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Thoma/Rich, Lemler Funeral Home in Bluffton. Friends can send online condolences to the family at www.thomarich.com.

Hilda F. Gutwein

June 7, 1932 - October 27, 2021