Robert "Bob" A. Gutwiler, 79, of Arena died unexpectedly on his birthday, Nov. 25, 2022 while deer hunting.

As per Bob's wishes, An open house will be held on Apr. 22, 2023 starting at 11:00 am at Base Camp Café, 18 Brodhead St., Mazomanie.  Brief memories will be shared at 12:00 noon with a luncheon to follow.

Bob was born Nov. 25, 1943 in Dodgeville, WI.  Bob was united in marriage to Patricia "Patti" Royston June 9, 1964.  He had a wild youth, racing cars and boats, snowmobiling, coon hunting, deer hunting, enjoyed card clubs and time with neighbors and friends. He was a bricklayer mason and was a craftsman of the trade. He bought creekside pasture land with his wife and they moved to the Arena Township in 1970 in the brick home he built where he started his own farm. First hogs, then dairy, but downsized to steers in "retirement".

Bob was hardworking, truthfully a workaholic. He was always helping others, anytime someone needed help, Bob was there. Up and down the hollow where he lived, many a person has been assisted by Bob. Whether that be checking in, conversation, cutting firewood, milking cows, harvesting, fixing or running equipment. Besides farming, he became a heavy equipment operator with Joe Daniels Construction for 27 years and was Superintendent and awarded from Dane County for his abilities in the restoration of creek banks. Bob had the mind of an engineer and the skill of an artist and could operate any equipment, fix just about anything, and often invented and created his own machinery. He enjoyed auctions, reading, watching Westerns, hunting, fishing, and his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Patti; daughter, Yvette (Michael) Kindschi; son, Dean (Jennifer) Gutwiler; grandsons Alan and Eli and step-grandchildren Trent, Shawn and Sara; Bob's siblings, Marge Purcell, Donette Nye, and John Gutwiler.

In addition to Bob's parents John B (Jack) and Alice (Fleming), he was preceded in death by a brother, Patrick and a sister, Betty Smith; and in laws, Robert "Bob" and Lucille Royston.

As per Bob's wishes, An open house will be held on Apr. 22, 2023 starting at 11:00 am at Base Camp Café, 18 Brodhead St., Mazomanie.  Brief memories will be shared at 12:00 noon with a luncheon to follow.

Online condolences may be made at hooversonfuneralhomes.com