Allen Lee Gutzel, 77, of La Crosse, Wisconsin found eternal peace from his cancer on Friday, March 24, 2017. He was born at home on January 23, 1940 to Donald F. Gutzel and Gwendolyn M. (Cellar) Gutzel.  Allen married Barbara Jirsa Verhota at English Lutheran Church on November 24, 1973.

Allen was a 1957 graduate of La Crosse Central High School.  He worked for the Wisconsin Department of Transportation for 38 years.  He loved to golf.  In his retirement he was a member of several men’s golfing groups until his illness interfered with his fun.  He was an active member of English Lutheran Church, ushering and helping with transportation needs of fellow members.  Allen was a member of the La Crosse and Eau Claire Scottish Rite and the Shrine Firehouse Jesters.  He was a Past Master of the Frontier Badger Lodge 345 and a 50+ year member of the Blue Lodge.  Allen was a member of the American Legion Post 52 Honor Squad.

Allen is survived by his daughters, Laurie Nicholson (Robert) and Tia Hrudka (Jeffrey), and Barb’s sons, Steven Verhota, Darren Verhota (Beth) and former daughter-in-law, Lisa Verhota.  Allen is survived by his grandchildren, Karrie Nicholson, Max Nicholson, Tyler Verhota, Even Verhota, Dylan Verhota, Ashley Verhota and Alexis Verhota.  He is also survived by his sister, Merry Kocar and his brother, Randy Gutzel (Laura), nieces, nephews, and grandnieces.

Allen is preceded in death by his wife, Barbara and his parents, Donald and Gwendolyn Gutzel.

Allen’s family would like to thank his friends, neighbors and the staff at the Willows, Bethany-Riverside, and Gundersen physicians, Dr. Michael Dolan, Dr. Alcee Jumonville, and Dr. Arthur Klein and their staffs for their kind and continued care throughout his illness.

Visitation will be held on Friday, March 31, 2017, at the Coulee Region Cremation Group, 133 Mason Street, Onalaska, Wisconsin from 4 pm to 7 pm with a Masonic Rite from 6:30 pm to 7 pm.  Funeral services for Allen Gutzel are on Saturday, April 1, 2017 at English Lutheran Church, 1509 King Street, La Crosse, Wisconsin, beginning with visitation at 10 am and the funeral service at 11 am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be given to the Shriners Hospital for Children, English Lutheran Church, or a charity of one’s choice.