Richard B. Guttormsen “Renshi”

Racine – Richard B. Guttormsen “Renshi” passed on to eternal life on January 22, 2021 at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Richard was born in Kenosha, WI on July 19th 1934  to the late William and Lucille (Bell) Guttormsen.  Richard attended various schools in Kenosha, Adams, Waukesha, and Bremerton, WA before returning and graduating from Kenosha High School in 1952.

He entered the United States Marine Corp on September 1, 1954. He was forever after, a Marine. He proudly served his country in the Korean War.  He was honorably discharged with the rank of Sargent on Sept 1, 1957. On June 6th 2015 he was granted an invitation to the Stars and Stripes Honor Flight to Washington DC. Upon his return he was surrounded by his loving family and friends to honor his service.  A flag was flown at the Wi State Capital in recognition of his service.

Richard married the love of his life Mary Jane Ferraro on June 29, 1957.  He attended college at UW Whitewater where he received his bachelor’s degree and a Masters Degree in Education.  He started his teaching career in Kenosha Unified in 1960 as a Sixth Grade Teacher, at McKinley Elementary.  He then became an Administrator serving Frank, Wilson, Jane Vernon and Forest Park from which he retired in 1996.  He was a passionate Educator and believed that education is the most noble of professions.  Both of his children followed in his footsteps and became educators, which made him very proud.

He had a lifelong love for cars. Over the years he owned many; everything from old Ramblers to Porsche sports cars, most of which had more coats of wax on the paint than miles on the tires. He also restored a 1968 AMX which he loved and was proud to drive.  His son Kevin attended multiple car shows with him every summer.

In 1966 he also began his study of the art of  Karate.  He was the first student of Kenosha’s first martial arts instructor, the late Rev. William Foster.  His desire to be the best took him to many places to increase his knowledge of the art.  He became a Second-Degree Black belt and was honored as a “Renshi,” master teacher.  He had a very dedicated group of students that he inspired throughout their own learning of the art.  Everyone of his students held a special place in his heart.

During his retirement he enjoyed traveling the world with his high school sweetheart and following the tennis career of his granddaughter Karyn.  He shared his love of Japanese Katanas with his grandson Evan.  He was a proud grandfather and loved his grandchildren with all he had.  

Richard is survived by his two children Kevin Richard (Susan) Guttormsen, and Gretchen Ann (Loren) Smith, two grandchildren Karyn (Tyler) Weiss and Evan Guttormsen, one great grandchild, Levi Weiss, three step grandchildren- Megan (Arne) Johansson, Dewey Warner, Jonathan Warner, one step great grandchild, Walter Johansson, and sister in law, Naomi Guttormsen.

He was preceded in death by his wife Mary Jane Guttormsen, his brother William Guttormsen, a sister Jean Lucille Rizzo, his parents William and Lucille Guttormsen and his in-laws, Serafino and Josephine Ferraro.

Graveside services will be held at 10 A.M. on June 25th, 2021 at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Union Grove, with full Military Honors, where again he will be reunited with Mary celebrating their eternal life together. 

Thoughts for Richard B. Guttormsen “Renshi”;

  • Margaret Pawlowski says:

    It was a pleasure and honor to know both of your parents. We always had such good times. I’m sad, but happy for your dad as I know he is with your mom again. He loved her so much. My thoughts and prayers are for your family. Good bless you all.
    Much love,
    Margie Pawlowski

    • Gretchen Smtih says:

      Thank you very much Margie, My parents enjoyed your company and they enjoyed the whole coffee group!

      I am going to miss both of them very much,
      Gretchen

  • Carol Knudson says:

    I enjoyed working with your dad at Forest Park. We had discussions on home constructions when I was building my house and he and your mom were contemplating it. Your dad also talked about his ideas for writing. He wanted to write a semi-auto biographical book about his life. It had some very interesting storylines.

    Your mom was such a wonderful person who always was gracious and hospitable.

    They were truly wonderful parents.

    Very sorry for your loss.

    • Gretchen Smtih says:

      Thank you Carol,

      My dad really loved his career and he always talked about going back! Ha! I always told him–Dad it is so different now!

      Thanks for the message,

      Gretchen

    • Peter Pingitore Sr says:

      I had the very good fortune to serve with Dick as a Principal in KUSD. Dick was always there with wise words of advice and support. He had a wonderful sense of humor and a contagious chuckle. I treasured being able to pick up the phone and seek his counsel. I am sorry to hear of his passing. My condolences to Gretchen and the entire family.

  • Dean and Deanne Sukus says:

    Our condolences to the Guttormsen Family. We have known your parents for many years. I remember working on cars with your dad since we were teenagers. Deanne also worked with Dick for several years at Jane Vernon as a special education aide. We were also acquainted with your mom through the school system. They were inseperable and take comfort in knowing that they are together again. Rest in peace, Dick and Mary.

    • Gretchen Smtih says:

      Thank you for the message—-my dad LOVED his cars! He waxed my cars all the time! I know that they are again happy together

      Gretchen

  • Gail Casey says:

    I extend my condolences. I was in school with your mom. We lived in Whitewater while Dick and John attended classes and rode back-and-forth together to the motors third shift! Your dad hired one of our daughters for her first job with Unified over 30 years ago.

  • Angela Gemignani says:

    I am sorry to hear of Dick’s passing. You wrote a beautiful tribute to him. I was privileged to work as a teacher at Forest Park. He was a wonderful administrator and i appreciated his support. We shared a common bond with The Marine Corps as my husband also served as a Marine. We would celebrate November 10th at our school. One day we had the whole school out around the flag pole on November 10th. The Marine’s sent representatives to show appreciation for your Dad’s service. It was a special time for us. I extend sympathy on behalf of my husband and myself.

  • Ron/Jan Housaman says:

    This is late because I just found out about Dicks passing and I’m so sorry for your loss. I was privileged to be Dicks secretary at Forest Park School for many years and enjoyed the years we shared there together. Not only did the years at Forest Park leave us with many memories but we along with Mary and Dick enjoyed many outings and times together in AZ which will always bring smiles and remembrances of “ good times”. We miss them but will never forget them.
    Rest In Peace dear friends.

    • Gretchen says:

      Hi Ron and Jan….

      My mom and dad cherished both of you and valued your friendship. We will be having a memorial service in late June…hope to see you there!

      Love,
      Gretchen and Kevin

  • Paul Whiteside says:

    Sorry for the late reply but just learned of Dick’s passing. I worked with Dick at Schmalfeldt’s Cities Service in the 60’s he is one of the people who got me into cars. i remember well his brand new ’59 (I believe) Pontiac Catalina and how proud he was of that car. I have wonderful memories of the gang at Elmer’s (as we called the station) which Dick was a part of. I was the youngest of the group but they treated me as an equal and we had many good times together. Lost track of Dick as we went our separate ways but did run into him one time he was on of my favorites of the old gang. Rest in Peace Dick.

    • Gretchen says:

      Thank you so much Paul for the tribute—My dad sure did love his cars. I do remember going to the gas station with my dad on many sat mornings. I thought it was the coolest thing!

      We will be having a memorial in late June—maybe we will see you there!

      Gretchen and Kevin

  • Joseph (Joe) Turpin, Ph.D says:

    It is with a very heavy heart that I learned of your father’s passing. My memories of your dad are deep and strong. Your father was then a new principal at Frank elementary and he was sent on a recruitment trip to Indiana University at Bloomington. I had completed my masters in education the year before and was working toward a doctorate. I had not taught and knew I needed to get some experience. I had interviewed with several school districts across the country ( Hawaii, Pittsburgh, Louisville among others). Your father told me that he wanted me to come to Kenosha to see the schools and I would get to see the special education classes that were available. As it happened, I accepted a vacancy that was at Frank School. I was an unmarried guy that knew no one, but your dad and later your mom. During my year at Frank School, your dad and I played racket ball regularly. We attended our first Karate class together, however, while doing the beginning push-ups I slipped and cut my chin, bleeding all over the floor. I didn’t continue past that night. Your dad encouraged me to attend national conferences and the following summer a University of Wisconsin study tour of Scandinavia (where I met my future wife, who was a teacher in the northwest Chicago suburbs). When I returned, I worked at the Child Conservation Center, next to the Jefferson School. When my future wife, Hester, would come to visit me on weekends, she would stay with you Mom and Dad. I remember one weekend in the spring of 1969, I got caught by your Mom coming out of a jewelry store in downtown Kenosha and she knew I was going to propose to my future wife. Until we left Racine we continued to stay in touch. I remember how proud they both were of both of you, Kevin and Gretchen. I am now a retired Professor Emeritus, at California State University. I have such a warm set of memories of your parents. I am so saddened by learning of their passing. Your father was a great friend that help to guide me in my career path. Please keep me aware of Union Grove service.

    • Gretchen says:

      Thank you so much for those memories. I do remember being in contact with you and spending time at your home! I didn’t know how that all started so that was a very interesting story to read! I miss my mom and dad everyday. My mom passed three years ago and my dad was very lonely after that. He lived a long great life! My brother and I cherish all the memories that they made for us!

      Thank you again for the tribute!

      Gretchen Smith and Kevin Guttormsen

  • Marcy (Cayo) Hufendick says:

    Hi Gretchen – It’s been a long, long time …. I am so sorry for the loss of your Dad. I have found memories of coming to your house (off of Springbrook Rd) when I was really young, with my parents; and then biking out there when I was older to hang out with you. Our dads had many, many good times together ‘back in the day’ and enjoyed so many of the same things (karate, cars, tennis …). My dad has lived in Colorado for 35 yrs so doesn’t get the local news; I am sure it will sadden him to hear of your dad’s passing. Sending thoughts and prayers as you lay your dad to his final resting place.

  • John Thelen says:

    As with many others, I just heard of Dick’s passing and offer my sincerest condolences. I, too, knew Dick as a “member” (the true youngest) of the Smalfelt’s Team. The group of guys that worked and hung out there had some very nice cars, and some even greater stories. Dick’s white ’59 “Poncho” as he called it stood out as one of the best. In a similar fashion, I will always remember Dick as one of the best because, as the educator that he was, he always took the time to pay attention to this kid who was thirteen years younger, and to impress me with the value of education, pride of Country, and a strong moral compass. I always looked forward to the weekends that he worked, and even more the errant weekend that the owner’s son, Jim (a former Navy Seabee) would drop in from Madison, so I could watch the inter-service rivalry in action. While Dick’s accomplishments are many, the most important one that stands out to me are the lasting, positive memories that he left with this kid. RIP, Marine.

  • Larry Kroes says:

    As a former martial arts student of your Dads, I was saddened to hear of his passing. I studied for about 15 years under his direction. His knowledge of the art was without a dought the best I have ever seen. He taught with patience and knowledge, and his workouts were tough but fun. During class, he would sometimes tell us stories about when he started in the art and the whole class would sit there memorized until it was time to work out again. I can honestly say that he had a class that admired him. I remembered once when he had his first class at the racquetball club on Hwy. 50, and it was my first time in his class. I walked into the room, and he thought to himself, What did I get myself into? He told me that years after it happened. Looking back I can laugh at that now… Most important he taught me confidence, not only in class but in life. I will always miss his wisdom and his lighter side of life. Your Dad was one in a million, and it was my privilege to have stumbled into the Dojo on that first day of class, and an honor to have been able to call him Sensei. He will be missed…. Rest in peace Renshi.

    • Gretchen Smith says:

      Thank you so much Larry, he will be missed very much….I know he held you in high regard!

      Gretchen and Kevin

  • Helena Faraca says:

    I recently learned of your dad’s passing. I am so sorry. I will be forever grateful to him because he hired me, as a third grade teacher at Forest Park School. Having that job, at that school, was a real blessing for me and my family. May warm memories comfort you during this time of loss.

  • Amy Moravec says:

    Sending my Condolences and respects to Mr. Guttormsen family. I just found out of his passing. I was a student at Jane Vernon. I remember him as a wonderful, caring, kind man. ⚘⚘

  • Norrita says:

    school chum thanks for the memories mary D bradford probably turned over in her grave with all the stuff we did we had a great class of 52 prayers for comfort to your family see u on the other side

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