Joseph Anthoney Gutting

Joseph Anthony Gutting, age 78, of Hager City, Wisconsin, passed away on Sunday, June 14, 2026, in Red Wing, Minnesota.

Joseph was born on March 19, 1948, in River Falls, Wisconsin, to Joseph and Mary Gutting. He grew up in the Ellsworth area and graduated from Ellsworth High School with the Class of 1966. Following high school, he attended vocational school to study welding.

On April 12, 1969, Joseph was united in marriage to the love of his life, Marla Kaye Helm, at St. Francis Catholic Church in Ellsworth. Together they shared 57 beautiful years of marriage and built a life centered around love, faith, and family. They were blessed with three children: Michele, Jennifer, and Mike.

Joseph was a hardworking man who dedicated 30 years of service at the Ford Motor Company's St. Paul Assembly Plant, where he was a proud member of UAW Local 879. His strong work ethic and commitment to providing for his family were evident throughout his career. Following retirement, he enjoyed 28 years spent doing what he loved most, being with family and friends.

Known for his sense of humor, practical jokes, and generous spirit, Joseph had a way of bringing smiles to those around him. Though he was a big man in stature, his heart was even bigger. He cherished attending his children's and grandchildren's sporting events and was a devoted fan of the Green Bay Packers and Wisconsin Badgers. Above all else, he treasured the time he spent with his family and friends.

Joseph is survived by his beloved wife, Marla; his children, Michele (Gene) Garver, Jennifer (Troy) Minder, and Mike (Jen) Gutting; grandchildren, Tessa Garver, Nate Garver, Alli Minder, Abbi Minder, Grace Gutting, and Andrew Gutting; sister, Sister Therese Gutting; sister-in-law, Rachel Gutting; and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Mary Gutting; brothers, Francis (Marilyn) Gutting and Stephen Gutting; and granddaughter, Jayda Kaye Minder.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at O’Connell Family Funeral Home: 130 North Grant Street, Ellsworth, Wisconsin 54011. A private family burial will take place at Maple Grove Cemetery.

Arrangements are entrusted to O’Connell Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Ellsworth. For more information or to share a memory, please visit www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com or call 715-273-4421.