Gene Arthur Guetzkow

MADISON - Gene Arthur Guetzkow passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, Jan. 14, 2016. He was born on Oct. 1, 1938, to Art and Gertrude (Aasen) Guetzkow of Madison. He was united in marriage to Charlene Kay Shelton on Feb. 27, 1965, and Charlene Rose Tooley on Sept. 18, 1971, both marriages ending in divorce. He was employed for many years in the newspaper business, initially by Madison Newspapers, Inc., before moving to Waukesha to accept a position with Journal Communications in Milwaukee in February of 1982. He returned to Madison following his retirement from that position on April 2, 1998. Gene was known for his love of fast cars, Badgers football, Harley Davidson motorcycles, and Lionel trains. In the 1960's and '70's he took home a shelf-load of trophies from Great Lakes Dragway in Union Grove that he won at the wheel of his beloved Chevy SS-396. And on football Saturdays he could be usually found in his seat in Section C of Camp Randall, cheering on his favorite team through good times and bad. And each February he could be found roaming the aisles of the Mad City Model Railroad Show, seeking out new gems to add to his collection. Gene was an active member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Madison, and was always grateful for the support and fellowship he received from the congregation following his return to Madison. Gene is survived by his cousins, Carol Schwark of Cottage Grove, Shirley Rynes of Madison, David Guitzkow of Mazomanie, Henry Guitzkow of Georgetown, Texas, Craig Ferkenstad of St. Peter, Minn., Loren Gordon of Maple Grove, Minn., and Warren Gordon of Madison. He was preceded in death by his parents. A visitation will be held for Gene at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, at noon, on Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2016, followed by a memorial service at 2 p.m. Internment will take place at ROSELAWN MEMORIAL PARK, 401 Femrite Dr., Monona, following the service. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608)221-5420