Cipriano Gutierrez

Cipriano "Pania" "Cip" Gutierrez, 86, of Topeka passed away the morning of March 14, 2014. He was born on September 16, 1927 in Topeka to Presciliano and Lorenza (Ortiz) Gutierrez, who were among a wave of Mexican immigrants who settled in Kansas during the early 1900's because of available work with the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad. They first lived in an area near 6th St. and Branner known as "la yarda" prior to moving to the Oakland neighborhood. Pania served in the Army during WWII and the Korean War. Along with his brother Peter, he co-owned Pete's TV Service & Repair and later worked at Walmart, where he enjoyed working with his many friends; he retired after 20 years assembling bicycles. He married Delores "Dee" Adams of Lamont, Iowa on August 31, 1957, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. She survives along with three sons, Jerome (Marcia) Gutierrez, Patrick Gutierrez, Daryl (Jackie) Gutierrez, Espiridion "Nono" Perez, a nephew who he considered a brother, and Elizabeth "Liz" Murdock, a great niece who was like a granddaughter. He was preceded in death by all his siblings: Estefania Moreno, Luciano, Espiridion, Santos Hernandez, Angela Perez, John, Peter, Hesus, and Rita (Sister Laura of the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth). He was a prankster, enjoyed playing pool and cards, hanging out with his brothers and friends in the TV shop', visiting with family during the Fiesta and Dees annual family reunions on the Iowa farm; but most of all spending time with his sons. A memorial Mass of Christian burial will celebrate his life at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church on Saturday, March 29th, 2014. A rosary will be prayed at the church at 9:45 a.m. followed by the Mass at 10:00 a.m. Inurnment will be in Holy Family Columbarium at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Topeka after the mass for those who wish to attend. A luncheon will follow the inurnment at the church activity center. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his memory to Our Lady of Guadalupe Building Fund and sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, Kansas 66603. Online condolences and fond memories may be left at www.brennanmathenafh.com.