Karl Norbert Gutzke

Karl Norbert Gutzke

June 27, 1933-November 3, 2020

Karl was born June 27, 1933 im Parma, Ohio to the late William and Thekla Gerlich Gutzke. He was the fourth child of four boys and two daughters. At three days of age, he was baptized at St. Matthew's Lutheran Church in Cleveland, Ohio. His childhood education was conducted at St. Matthew's school, Lincoln Junior High and Lincoln High school, also in Cleveland.

He was graduated from Case Institute of Technology, Cleveland, Ohio in May, 1956, (now a part of Case Western Reserve University) with a degree in Industrial Chemistry. After he moved to Texas, he did graduate work at Lamar State University.

His first employment after graduating from Case was at Koppers Co., in Monaca, PA and then at Port Arthur, TX, and at Texaco Research & Technical also at Port Arthur and then at NCH Corp. at Irving, TX, all as a lubricants chemist. He was awarded Patent 5700765 Additives System and Method for Extending the Service Life of Petroleum Based Hydraulic Fluids. He also taught mathematics in the Irving ISD.

He was married to Mary Hardy of Chester, TX until her death in 2000. They had three sons and three granddaughters.

On June 8, 2002, Karl married Evelynn Kelly, who like Karl, had lost a spouse to death. They were married at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Irving and since Evelynn was Roman Catholic, her priest also officiated. After three years, they wanted to belong to the same church, so they were accepted into St. Vincent's Anglican Cathedral in Bedford, TX.

Karl had Emeritus Membership in the American Chemical Society, the American Institute of Chemical Engineers and the Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers.

Karl is survived by his wife Evelynn, two sons Timothy (Kristin) and Thomas and three granddaughters Austin, Rachel and Victoria.

Karl's graveside committal will be officiated by Fr. Kurt Garrett Hein of the Light of Christ Anglican Church in Georgetown, TX on Nov. 6 at Seamans Cemetery, Chester, TX. Masks are required.