Walter C. Gutzmann

He graduated from Craftsbury Academy, and later graduated from the University of Vermont with a master’s degree in poultry nutrition. He taught science and forestry at Craftsbury Academy for many years. He was also former owner of the Craftsbury Garage.

Walter was on the Craftsbury Fire and Rescue Department for 53 years, and was chief for more than 50 years. He held memberships with the N.E. International Mutual Aid, Craftsbury School Board, Town Emergency Manager, town Select Board, Rural VT Mutual Aid, and the Sun Meridian Masonic Lodge in Craftsbury. Over the years he also pitched for Craftsbury town softball team, and coached high school basketball, which went to four state championships, winning once. He was also a baseball coach.

He is survived by his wife Sandra Gutzmann of Craftsbury; his children Kristina Lee and her husband, Michael, of Worcester, Wendy Allen and her husband, David, of Albany, and Walter Gutzmann Jr. and his wife, Lori, of Brandon; his grandchildren Kristi Magida and her husband, Kyle, of Salem, Mass., Kayla and Jordan Baker of Springfield, Kelsey Lee and fiancé, Fred Waite, of Randolph Center, Adam Allen of Eden, Matthew Allen of Albany, Kurtis and Amanda Gutzmann of Hollywood, Fla.,Walter Carl Gutzmann of Forestdale, and Cody Gutzmann of Claremont, N.H.; and two great-grandchildren, Rebecca Magida and Logan Gutzmann.

His brother, Richard Gutzmann, died earlier, as did his beloved German shepherd Zeus.

Friends may call Friday, Nov. 9 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Craftsbury Firehouse. Funeral services will be held Saturday, Nov. 10 at 1 p.m. at the Craftsbury Academy Gymnasium, with the Rev. Deborah McKinley officiating. Burial will follow in Craftsbury Village Cemetery, then a reception will be held at Craftsbury Academy.

Contributions in Walter’s memory may be made to Craftsbury Fire and Rescue, P.O. Box 55, C/O Town Clerk, Craftsbury, VT 05826.

Arrangements are in the care of Curtis-Britch & Davis Funeral Home; online condolences may be made at curtis-britch.com.