William F. Gutowsky

William F. Gutowsky, 83, passed away peacefully on November 30, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born on December 20, 1941, William was the son of Francis Albert Gutowsky and Emily Catherine Vojtsek and grew up in Skokie alongside his siblings, Franklin and Joan. As a young boy, he worked at the family gas station, learning the values of hard work, responsibility, and service that would guide him throughout his life.

Bill attended Niles Township High School, where he was a wrestler, football player, and trumpet player. He went on to attend Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Science and Civil Engineering. Following college, Bill built a successful career as an entrepreneur, founding Chicago Business Forms. Through determination, he grew the company into a thriving enterprise and earned the respect of colleagues, clients, and friends throughout the industry. Even after retirement, Bill remained active, enjoying a second career as a car salesman, where his outgoing personality and gift for connecting with people made him a natural fit.

A proud member of Alcoholics Anonymous for more than 50 years, Bill dedicated much of his life to helping others find recovery and hope. He sponsored dozens of individuals over the years, offering guidance, encouragement, and friendship to countless people whose lives were forever changed by his compassion and commitment to service.

Bill was a man of many passions. He loved golfing, skiing, riding motorcycles, and playing bridge. He enjoyed spending time outdoors, especially taking long walks with his beloved dogs. Whether on a golf course, around a bridge table, or sharing stories with friends and family, Bill brought warmth, humor, and enthusiasm wherever he went.

A devoted man of faith, Bill was a longtime member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Arlington Heights, where his spiritual life remained a cornerstone of who he was. He was also committed to helping others beyond his immediate community, supporting organizations such as Doctors Without Borders and animal welfare causes throughout his life.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Emily Gutowsky; his first wife, Jeri Johnston; his second wife, Suzanne Gutowsky; his sister, Joan (Peter) Schuetz; and his brother, Franklin (Connie) Gutowsky.

He is survived by his children, Gina (Charles) LoBello, Craig (Brigitta) Gutowsky, Philip Gutowsky, and Angela (Jeffrey) Corgiat; his cherished grandchildren, Zachary, Angelina, Nicholas, Ava, Anthony, Dominic, and Gianna; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends.

Bill will be remembered for his generous heart, unwavering faith, quick wit, dedication to helping others, and the countless lives he touched through friendship, mentorship, and love. His presence will be deeply missed, but his spirit, compassion, and legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

A Celebration of Life will be held at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Arlington Heights on July 25, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.