Gilbert C. Schutza

Gilbert C. Schutza, age 75, of Houston, formerly of West, passed away Sunday morning, January 31, 2010 at St. Joseph's Hospital in Houston. Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. Thursday at St. Paul's United Church of Christ in Gerald, with Rev. Frannie Sidenblad officiating. Military Graveside Rites will follow at Gerald Cemetery, conducted by V.F.W. Post No. 4819 of West. The family will receive visitors from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Mr. Schutza was born August 23, 1934 near West, the son of Edwin W. and Lenora (Steinkamp) Schutza. He attended schools in Gerald and West before graduating from West High School in 1951. He then received a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Texas in 1956. In 1963 he received a master's degree from the University of Wyoming. On February 22, 1957 he was united in marriage to Frieda Anna Wuerz in Gerald. Gilbert served his country with the United States Air Force for 20 years before being honorably discharged at the rank of Major in 1977. He then continued to work as a mechanical engineer up until now. Survivors include his beloved wife of nearly 53 years, Frieda Schutza of Houston; a son, Gilbert W. Schutza and wife Tammy of Austin; a daughter, Ingrid Bowden and husband Bill Harlan of Galveston; a brother, Donald R. Schutza of Elm Mott; two granddaughters, Karina and Kelsey Schutza; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Pallbearers are James Clark, Marvin Drews, Nick Floudas, Bill Harlan, Gary Schutza, and Henley Winkelmann. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Paul's United Church of Christ in Gerald.