Ralph Gabriel Gutierrez, 83, went home to be with his Lord on December 3, 2019. Ralph was born Sept. 7, 1936 in New York City to Lillian and Gabriel Gutierrez.
He resided in Holland, MI for the past 12 years and 40 years in Kalamazoo, MI. Ralph was preceded in death by his mother and father and a twin brother, Paul Gutierrez of NYC.
He is survived by his wife Sharon (Newhouse), a son, Paul Gutierrez, of Portage, MI., two daughters, Christina (Nils) Wallerstedt, of Ponte Vedra, FL., and Melina (David) La Porte, of Parker, CO. Also, stepchildren, Rev. Dr. Blaine (Kathy) Newhouse, of Holland, MI., Gaylene (Courtney) Todd, of Canton, MI., and Michael (Holly)Newhouse, of Decatur, MI.; grandchildren Jonah and Spencer La Porte, Nikolas and Grace Wallerstedt; Ben, Rachel, Jake, Eli, and Grace Newhouse; Samuel and Ethan Todd, and Heidi and Gabe Newhouse.
He was a veteran of the US Air Force 1954-1958, serving two years in Japan as a Ground Radio Operator/Cryptographer. After military service and school, he began a 34 year career in broadcasting in 1958 in Washington D.C., Latrobe and Emporium PA., Adrian, MI., and 25 years as an on-air personality and program director of WKZO radio in Kalamazoo, MI.
He also was a Career Services Coordinator at Davenport College/University in Kalamazoo/Battle Creek from 1992-2002. After retiring and moving to Holland, he briefly worked for WHTC radio. He was a member of HASP (Hope Academy of Senior Professionals) since 2007, volunteering as a Trolley Tour guide during Tulip Time, also as a volunteer reading coach at Glerum Elementary School’s “Baggie Books” program. He also served several years in the Kids Hope USA programs. As an avid photographer with over 60 years’ experience. He was a member of the Kalamazoo and Tulip City Camera Clubs. Other interests included acting experiences with the All Ears Theater group in Kalamazoo and reActors of Holland.
He enjoyed sailing on Gull Lake where he crewed on racing sailboats for 14 years. He was also a docent at the Kalamazoo Aviation Museum where he enjoyed giving tours to school groups and individuals while enlightening them with stories related to the history of the aircraft collection.
He had a passion for classical music all his life and was a piano major while attending the prestigious High School of Performing Arts in NYC. He was a graduate of the National Academy of Broadcasting in Washington, D.C.
Ralph was a member of Calvary Reformed Church on 8th St., Holland, since 2007 and Second Reformed Church in Kalamazoo from 1988 – 2007 where he served as a deacon.
A memorial service will be held at 3:00 pm on Tuesday, December 17, 2019 Calvary Reformed Church on Eighth Street, in Holland. The family will greet visitors and hour prior to services. The Reverend Dr. Blaine Newhouse will officiate.
Interment will be in Fort Custer National Cemetery, Battle Creek.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Holland Rescue Mission or Calvary Reformed Church.
