Barbara Jean Gutenkunst
June 14, 1952 ~ August 16, 2012
Resided in:
Pueblo, CO
Barbara Jean (Olson) Gutenkunst, age 60, of Pueblo, Colo., passed away on Aug. 16, 2012, at Parkview Hospital.
Barb was born on June 14, 1952, in St. Ansgar, Iowa, to Allan and Eleanor (Oldenburg) Olson. As a young child her family moved to New England, N.D., where she spent her childhood years. She graduated from New England High School in 1970, from North Dakota State University in 1974, obtained her Masters Degree in Food and Nutrition from Marywood College in Pennsylvania, and her PhD in Renal Nutrition from Columbia Pacific University in California.
Barb and Randy Gutenkunst were married on May 24, 1975. They lived in Pennsylvania for 13 years before moving to Pueblo, Colo. in 1987.
Barb has always worked in the profession of dietetics. She has spent the past 25 years as a renal dietitian working with dialysis patients for Fresenius Medical Care.
Throughout her time with us, Barb strove to live the Christian life and be generous to all. She unselfishly gave her time to family, friends, patients, and co-workers. She loved animals and championed wildlife causes. Barb was always an early riser, very outgoing to all she met, and lived every day to the fullest. Unfortunately, recent painful physical problems made her everyday life difficult. She passed away while trying to restore her earlier quality of life.
Survivors include her husband, Randal of Pueblo; their son, Ryan (Shannon) and grandson, Carson of Tucson Ariz.; sister, Carma (Brian) Gerbig of Dickinson, N.D.; brother, Douglas (Janice) Olson of Beulah, N.D.; brothers-in-law, Rodney (Ruth Ann) Gutenkunst of Hunlock Creek, Pa., Arlen Gutenkunst of Bismarck, N.D., Lacy Gutenkunst of Lefor, N.D. and Kim (Linda) Gutenkunst of Ballwin, Mo.; and a number of nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, and mother and father-in-law.
Cremation, Montgomery & Steward Crematorium. A memorial service for giving thanks and celebrating Barb's life will take place at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2012, in the Montgomery & Steward Funeral Chapel in Pueblo, Colo.
In lieu of flowers and food, please contribute to your favorite charity in Barb's memory. Online condolences, www.montgomerysteward.com
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We are so sorry for your loss. We all enjoyed knowing Barb. She was a wonderful person. Our prayers & thoughts are with you all. God Bless, Dr. Giarratano and staff, Denise, Jenny, Rochelle, Nicole & Glenna.
Ryan, you and your family are in my prayers and thoughts. I am so very sorry and saddened by your loss. It seems odd that we get older and we begin to lose those that are closest to us–that nurtured us first and introduced us to the world. If you need anything, please feel free to contact us!!
Randy and family, so sorry to hear about your loss, our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Debbie and Perry Ottmar
Randy, Bryan and I are so sorry for your loss. There are such sweet memories of Barb in the other entries. She obviously made a huge difference in so many peoples lives. You are in our thoughts.
Randy and family, I am so very sorry for your loss. A small piece of my heart broke when I heard the news about Barbara. I worked with her for several years in the dialysis unit. She was always willing to share her knowledge and always willing to help everyone. She was a good friend and she will be missed by all who knew her.
I am so sorry Randy and Ryan of your loss. Many of you have known Barb the last several years after she moved away from her home state, North Dakota. Let me share what Barb meant to me growing up in New England ND. As classmates we were the best of friends for 6 years, I have fond memories of going over to her house after school where her and Carma always made supper for the family while their Mother was at work. She was great in school in all ways! Sure she was a straight A student, great cheeleader, fun times, very well liked by all, teachers admired her, yet with her busy life she had time to go over to our church and work in the office on saturdays and the list goes on! Thanks Barb for being a true friend to me in the 60’s, think I am a better person growing up with you and learning what a true friend is. Last time I saw Barb was in the 80’s. Ryan, she was soo proud of you and I know she will be missed.
Our deepest sympathy and prayers are with Barb’s family. Barb was more than my husband’s nutritionist, she became a friend. We looked forward to talking to her and sharing books and things that were going on in our families. She was so excited about her grandson. She will be missed.
Samuel and Gaylene Niccoli
I am so sorry to hear about Barb. What a beautiful person. I will deeply miss talking to her and hearing about her wonderful vacations. Barb always made sure to say hello and ask everyone how they were doing. She was so excited and proud of her new grandson. For many years she was the first person I would see in the morning and I always looked forward to seeing her smiling face!
Randy and family:
We are very sorry for loss and will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers. A good woman has gone home.
Dear Randy and famiily
We were very sorry to hear about your loss – you’re in our prayers
How sorry I am to see Barb’s notice on the same page as my husband John. John has been a patient at Fresenius for about 7 years.I have always looked forward to talking with Barb, also seeing her at Walmart on our early morning shopping trips. John enjoyed hearing about your vacations to see your son. My prayers and condolences are with you during this time of sorrow. Sincerely Charlotte
Randy, Ryan, Shannon & Carson,
We are so saddened for your loss. We will always remember Barb with her big smile & thoughtfulness. Please try to focus on the happy loving memories. I wish Shane & I could go to the memorial, but we will be there in spirit. We will keep all of you near & dear in our hearts & prayers.
Love, Kim, Linda & Shane Gutenkunst
My deepest sympathy for your loss Randy and family. Prayers and thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Cindy Nunez
I got to work with Barb at FMC. She will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with her family. Sorry for your loss.
I have known Barb since 1989 and she was great to know both professional and just for her loving kindness. She was always willing to answer questions and just be helpful. I knew she had a deep Christian faith. We pray that God will help you Randy and Ryan during this time. Ryan she was so proud of her grandbaby and we know you will miss her. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Randy and Ryan and the whole family.
I worked with Barb for a short time at Fresenius. She did a great job with the patients and was so kind to me. I always looked forward to our talks when she visited the Nocturnal shift. I am so sorry for your loss. God Bless all of you, especially that beautiful little grandson. Diane Odell
Barb was my dietitian at Fresenius for five years – she not only helped with meal planning, but with her kindness and positive attitude towards all her patients, she kept me from getting depressed. We all loved her and I am deeply sadden by her passing. My sincere sympathy to the family. Fran Lines
Randy, Ryan, Shannon, and Carson,
Memories of family get-togethers and Barb’s smile and laughter will be with us always. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love,
Jan,Doug, Jayden, and Josh Olson
Randy and Ryan my condolences to you and your family. Barb was a wonderful friend and coworker. We often talked about the Christian life, Barb would help me to come to a better understanding of Gods ways. My thoughts and prayers are with you both.
Randy and family, we have just read about Barb’s passing in the Chieftain. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time.