Ervin Gerhart Gutknecht

Ervin “Erv” G. Gutknecht, age 81, of New Hope, passed away on Friday, July 19, 2019 at St. Therese of New Hope.

Private family services will be held.

Erv was born on July 9, 1938 to Herman and Martha (Luedtke) Gutknecht in St. Cloud, Minnesota. He graduated from Kimball High School in 1956 as a multi-sport athlete. He lettered in 9-man football, baseball and basketball.  He then enlisted in the Army, was stationed in Korea following the war, and was involved in rebuilding Korea. Erv married the love of his life, Carol Wuotila, on August 13, 1960 after meeting her New Year’s Eve at the Playland Ballroom.  They started their lives together on a small farm near Fair Haven, Minnesota before moving to the Cities and settling in Crystal, Minnesota to raise their beautiful family. Erv work for Onan/Cummings Corporation for 38 years. He taught his children how to love and enjoy life.  Erv loved to fish, golf, camp, go bowling and spend time with his family, especially his grandchildren - John, Sammi, Jenna, Jessica, Kylie, Angie, Madison, Nick and Jackson, and great granddaughter Camille.  Erv loved dancing to old time music, especially the polka with his sweet wife, Carol.  Erv was a member of the Elks 44, where he served as the Chaplin for 2 years, and was also a member of the VFW and the American Legion. He passed away peacefully knowing that he was surrounded by his family in the remaining hours. 

Erv is survived by his beautiful wife, Carol of New Hope; loving children, Ginger (Tom) Sand of Rochester, Brian (Trish) of Maple Grove, and Bruce (Joanne) of Brooklyn Park; awesome grandchildren, previously mentioned;  brother, Les (Vi) of Fair Haven; and sister, Rosie Dutton of Coon Rapids. He is preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Martha, and brothers Elmer, Victor and Marvin.

We carry him our hearts and maintain his tradition enjoying life and loving family. So crack open a Miller High Life and celebrate his life with us! Cheers!

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