Vincent P. Gutowski's Obituary
CHARLESTON, IL - Vincent Peter Gutowski, age 70 of Charleston, passed away on Monday, October 5, 2015 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana. Everyone is welcome to join with Vince's family as they host a Celebration of his life on Friday, October 9, 2015 at Adams Funeral Chapel in Charleston with visitation from noon until 2:00 p.m., and the sharing of stories by family, friends and colleagues beginning at 2:00 p.m. A private burial with Military Services conducted by the Charleston VFW Paul McVey Post 1592 will be in Mound Cemetery, Charleston. It is requested that thoughtful donations in his honor be made to the EIU Foundation - Vincent P. and Pamela R. Gutowski Fund, established in support of Geography students dedicated to the field of Geography and who show competence in field work, excellence in research in Physical Geography and intend to pursue graduate studies. Gifts may be left during the visitation or celebration, or may be mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Dr., Charleston, IL 61920.Vince was born February 1, 1945 in Jersey City, NJ, a son of the late Chester L. and Frances (Panzini) Gutowski. He grew up in Pittsburgh, PA, graduating from South Catholic High School in 1962. He met Pamela Maedl in Panama while serving with the United States Navy, and they were married July 21, 1971 in California. He attended California State University, Northridge, earning a B.A. in 1974 and an M.A. in 1977. He earned his Ph.D. in 1987 at the University of Pittsburgh and taught at Eastern Illinois University in the Department of Geology/Geography from 1983 until 2010. During his career at Eastern, Vince received numerous University awards for his teaching, research and service, and with each opportunity, he sought to give credit to those professors who provided such valued mentoring. Vince followed the example of excellence provided by former teachers and always tried to encourage his students to do more than take classes. He not only encouraged students to do research, he led by example by being there for them each step of the way, showing the importance of participating and contributing to each meeting, social gathering and field trip. He made his students aware of their importance and thrived on guiding those who had a zeal for learning. His appreciation for student scholarship at the undergraduate level allowed him to successfully steer many into graduate school. Vince's students were granted the benefit of any doubt and he sought to be their friend, confidant and greatest advocate, while approaching his duties in a laid-back, yet academically responsible manner. Vince is survived by Pam, his loving and devoted wife of 44 years; three children, Jennifer Gutowski of Los Angeles, CA, Carl (Valeria) Gutowski of Elmhurst , IL, and Frank (Brenda) Gutowski of Downers Grove, IL; grandchildren Max, Miriam, Tessa and Joseph; two brothers, Frank (Cynthia) Gutowski of Pittsburgh, PA and Robert (Madelyn) Gutowski of Philadelphia. PA; a sister, Bernice (Ray) Budd of Pittsburgh; along with several nieces and nephews and their families. Vince enjoyed golfing but his favorite pastime was spending time on the property they own located along Kickapoo Creek. Many fond hours were spent planting and tending to thousands of trees. His dedication to his family was the driving force in all that he did and his love and commitment to them was unquestionable. Vince was a knowledgeable individual who was highly respected and regarded by family, friends and colleagues and he will truly be missed.
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