Mrs. Hertha Johanna Gutmann, 83, of LaPorte, died Monday, Nov. 24, 2014, at Brentwood Assisted Living in LaPorte from complications of Alzheimer’s disease.
She was born April 5, 1931, in Hildesheim, Germany, to Olaf and Hertha (Reimers) Olsson.
Hertha was a homemaker and seamstress and loved to make handmade quilts, especially with one of her beloved cats sitting comfortably on her lap. At her lake house at Gravel Lake, Michigan, she enjoyed fishing off the pier at dusk, taking pontoon rides, relaxing on the lakeside deck, sitting around a bonfire with lake neighbors, and being an active participant at the many Gravel Lake social gatherings. Hertha, who was an exceptional baker, never missed having afternoon coffee and kuchen with her wonderful husband, 
Heinz, other family members or friends. She enjoyed traveling with the love of her life, Heinz. Hertha always put the needs of others before her own, especially with family members, her friends and even complete strangers. She was an animal lover and took care of many orphaned cats at her LaPorte home and at Gravel Lake. She had a wonderful sense of humor, was a great sport, had a positive spirit and was a lot of fun to be around. She was a past member of the DANK German Club.
On May 3, 1952, in Hildesheim, Germany, she married Heinz P. Gutmann, who preceded her in death on May 15, 2014. They had celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary on May 3, 2014.
Hertha was also preceded in death by her parents, seven siblings, and son-in-law, Mike Popejoy.
She is survived by her three daughters, May (Richard) Moore of LaPorte, Patsy Popejoy of Snowmass, CO, and Barbra (Steve) Otolski of LaPorte; six grandchildren, Kerry Moore of Lawton, MI, Emily (fiance’ Thomas Garrett) Moore of Fort Wayne, IN, Sarah Popejoy of Snowmass, Kylie Popejoy of Missouri Heights, CO, Anthony Otolski of LaPorte, and Eric Otolski of LaPorte; and great-granddaughter, Olivia Popejoy Dugan of Snowmass.
The family will receive friends at Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, LaPorte, on Wednesday, Nov. 26, from 4 to 6 p.m. A life celebration will be held Wednesday at 6 p.m. at the funeral home with Deacon Chris Hawkins officiating. Cremation will take place.
The family would like to thank the staff of the Brentwood Memory Care Unit and Harbor Light Hospice for their support and exceptional patient care.
Memorial contributions may be made to Lincoln Elementary School, 402 Harrison St. LaPorte, IN 46350; or LaPorte County Small Animal Shelter, 2855 W. Ind. 2, LaPorte, IN 46350.
Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP, as well as at www.haverstockfuneralhome.com.