John and Nancy Gutierrez
John (Pepe) Gutierrez and Nancy Ruth (Zeitz) Gutierrez, of Charlotte, a very loving and devoted couple, tragically left this earthly world behind to be in Heaven together forever on July 29, 2018. John was born April 29, 1949 to Jose and Antonia (Cantu) Gutierrez in McAllen, Texas. Nancy was born October 29, 1948 to Jim and Edith (Klink) Zeitz in Eaton Rapids. John and Nancy were inseparable since they were married 50 years ago, an example to the community of a wonderful marriage. They spent their free time traveling to watch their children and grandchildren participate in all the activities they loved doing.
John joined the Army out of high school, and later became a State Trooper with the Michigan State Police. After his retirement, he worked as a Public Safety Officer at Capital Region International Airport and later Baker College. He was an adjunct professor for 30 years at Lansing Community College Criminal Justice Program for law enforcement. John enjoyed cooking for family, as well as hunting with his son and grandson. John was a fun loving, animated storyteller who loved people.
Nancy, known for her quiet strength and subtle sass, loved gardening and spending time with family. She was a nurse at Hayes Green Beach Hospital in Charlotte, and later left to work as a rural postal carrier for the U.S. Post Office until her retirement. Nancy was always ready to listen with an open heart. Nancy was very proud to be a mother and grandmother, and loved sharing stories with her children and grandchildren.
John and Nancy are survived by their children, Lisa (Sean) Carroll, Brock (Holly) Gutierrez, and Erin (Tony) Harbor; grandchildren, Rourke, Cormac, and Catriana Carroll, Izabelle and Bode Gutierrez, and Jelani, Thaine, and Tamaeus Harbor; brothers and sisters Julie Steele, Steve (Brenda) Gutierrez, Lupe Shakespeare, Jesse Gutierrez, Audrey Martini, Hank (Carol) Zeitz, and Peggy (Gregg) McCann; and Nancy’s parents, Jim and Edith Zeitz.
They were predeceased by John’s parents, Jose and Antonia Gutierrez.
Friends are encouraged to support the Gutierrez family at visitation and funeral services. Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, August 4, 10 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church in Charlotte, with Rev. Fr. Dwight Ezop officiating. Visitation was held Friday, Aug. 3, from 3 to 6 p.m.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Fallen Trooper Memorial c/o Michigan State Police Troopers.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of John and Nancy on their Tribute Page at PrayFuneral.com or their Facebook Page at JohnNancy Gutierrez.