Joseph "Jay" Gutenkauf

Jay Gutenkauf, loving father, husband, grandfather, and dedicated physician, passed away August 31st at the age of 83. He was born in Brainerd, Minnesota, in 1941, and spent his formative years traveling the globe. His adventurous spirit was sparked early in life. He attended school in Japan and Pakistan while his father worked on government projects.

After graduating from Karachi American School, Jay and his brother Bob embarked on a memorable backpacking trip through Europe before returning to Minnesota. He pursued his passion for medicine, earning his medical degree in 1967. That same year, he married Rita Mertz, and together they moved to Southern California for his residency.

His commitment to helping others led him to intern in Washington, D.C., where he specialized in Tropical Medicine. In 1968, he and his wife joined the Peace Corps, an experience that took them to the Marshall Islands where he served as a doctor in Majuro. Their first child, Stephanie, was born in Majuro in 1969. Following his time in the Peace Corps, he continued his work for the Trust Territory as a physician in Yap and Western Caroline, until 1971.

In 1971, he and his family moved to Minnesota, where he dedicated his life to a long and distinguished medical career spanning five decades. The family settled in Apple Valley, MN where their son John was born. As a family they spent summers at the cabin in Siren, Wisconsin and made yearly skiing trips to Winter Park, Colorado.

In 1998 Jay married Peggy Sherman. Jay and Peggy enjoyed extensive traveling, many ski trips and many Gopher football games. They did everything together. They both enjoyed cooking, gardening and time at the cabin. Jay was always supportive of Peggy's academic, professional and creative endeavors. He never missed any of Peggy's orchestra performances.Together Jay and Peggy raised Jeff Johannes, Peggy's son.

Jay Gutenkauf will be remembered for his unwavering kindness, his brilliant mind, and his tireless dedication to his patients. His legacy is one of compassion, a life well-traveled, and a deep commitment to family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and MaryLou; daughter, Stephanie, and his brother, Robert.

If anyone feels compelled to give something beyond flowers, donations to the Big Doctor Lake Association in Jay's memory would help with much needed lake restoration efforts.