September 21, 1934 – Monday, September 17, 2012
Service Information
Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Winsted
Saturday, September 22nd
11:00 A.M.
Visitation Information
AT THE FUNERAL HOME
Friday, September 21, 2012
4-8 P.M.
Don Charles Guggemos Sr., age 77, of Winsted passed away on Monday, September 17, 2012 at his residence.
He was born on September 21, 1934 in Winsted the son of Charles & Ruth Roufs Guggemos.
Don graduated from Holy Trinity High School in 1952.
He honorably served his Country in The United States Army.
On September 8, 1956, Don C. Guggemos & Helen J. Sterner were joined in Holy Marriage at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Winsted. God blessed their marriage with six children.
Don was formerly a Financial Planner with American Express Financial Advisors in Winsted for many years.
Don served in many ways over the years… As clerk for the City of Winsted in the late 50’s; Clerk, Winsted Independent School District; Charter Chairman, Holy Trinity Home School Association in 1965; member, Holy Trinity Building Committee 1965-High School Building; Co-Chair, Holy Trinity Building Committee 2007 Elementary School; member, Holy Trinity Plant & Operations Committee; Charter member, Holy Trinity Athletic Association (original Booster’s Club); Member & Chairman, Holy Trinity Board of Education, (6+3 years); Vice Chair, Board of Education, (Bishop Schladweiler Appointment); Charter Member, Diocesan Pastoral Council, (Bishop Schladweiler Appointment); Member, Diocesan Priests Pension Board, (Bishop Lucker Appointment); Member, Winsted Area chamber of Commerce (Past President three times & Board Member); Mayor, City of Winsted (thirteen terms). He announced Holy Trinity Football games for twenty four years; painted graphics on the gym floor at Holy Trinity High School (with Art Guggemos) ‘65, ‘79 & ’97; and was a past Grand Marshal of Winsted Legion Festival.
Don was a lifelong, faithful member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Winsted.
Survived by his loving wife of fifty six years: Helen J. Guggemos; children: Paul (Lori) Guggemos, Don Jr. “Chip” (Julie) Guggemos, William (Kristine) Guggemos , Debra (Dr. Michael) White, Mary (William) Carlson and Ruth (Scott) Hallock; nineteen grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren; brothers: Arthur (Donna) Guggemos and Harold (Theresa) Guggemos; a sister-in-law: Doris Guggemos; many other relatives and friends.
Preceded in death by his parents: Charles & Ruth, and a brother: Kenneth.
A Concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial for Don Guggemos Sr. will be held on Saturday, September 22nd at 11:00 A.M. at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Winsted. Interment with military rites will follow at Holy Trinity Cemetery.
A visitation will be held on Friday, September 21st from 4-8 P.M. at The Chilson Funeral Home in Winsted.
Further visitation will be held on Saturday morning, September 22nd from 9:30-10:30 A.M. at the funeral home.
A Catholic Order of Foresters Rosary will be recited at 10:30 A.M. Saturday morning, September 22nd at Holy Trinity Church.
Honorary Casket Bearers will be Don’s sons-in-law: Dr. Michael White, William Carlson and Scott Hallock.
Casket Bearers will be Joseph White, Stephen White, Peter White, Dan Vos, Brent Mareck, and Chief Mike Henrich.
In lieu of Flowers, memorials are preferred.
The Chilson Funeral Home in Winsted is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.chilsonfuneralhome.com
Mary and family:
My deepest sympathy to your entire family on the loss of your Dad. May God’s love surround you now and in the coming days ahead. You are in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless you.
Don was an awesome person. He is in a better place, no worries and no pain. He will be greatly missed by many. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Michael and Nancy Moy & Family
Dear family, I am so sorry I cannot make it. I have the flu-the worst I have ever had. I don’t want to give it to anyone. You all have our deepest sympathy and I know that Uncle Don lived a great life. He will be greatly missed. You all are in our thoughts and prayers. Sorry again that I cannot make it.
Helen,
I always enjoyed working with Don during the Sterner years and he continued to treat me as as more than a former co-worker when he served as mayor. I am very sorry to hear of his passing. He was a very NICE guy.
He shall be missed.
Don was an inspiration and mentor to me the year I worked with him at Wood-Fab/Poly Foam ’65-’66. His sense of humor and ingenuity was a gift. My condolences to the entire family.
Our immortal soul knows that life is eternal; we know that we live because God loved us first into a continuing relationship with Him; we know also that God has a purpose for each one of us…to love as He loves eternally; thus we know that love continues beyond the shadow of death as death is but a veil through which we travel into a continued life of love with God. The memories we have are a reminder of the very precious love and joy Don shared with his family, friends and community. May you feel the love of God this day and remember that when you reach out to God in love, you will reach out and share that same love with Don. Peace.