Raul Gutierrez

Raul “Ralph” Gutierrez, Jr., 54, of Topeka, passed away Sunday, December 7, 2008 at his home.

He was born October 8, 1954 in Topeka, the son of Raul Gutierrez, Sr. and Trinidad (Tetuan) Gutierrez.

Ralph was an owner of Cabinetry and Millwork Concepts since 1995.  He previously worked at Midwest Millworks and Bartlett & West Engineers.

He attended Kansas State University where he studied architecture and was a member of Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity.

Ralph played co-rec softball with his wife.  He was an avid K-State fan, enjoyed vegetable gardening and was very supportive of his sons’ sporting and academic events.

Ralph was a very giving person as evidenced in all he did.  He was president of the Seaman Band Boosters, YMCA basketball coach, rang bells for the North Topeka Rotary Club at Christmas and was a leader of Cub Scout Pack #52.

He was a life member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church and currently a member of Mother Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Church.

Ralph was married to Jennifer A. Miller on May 15, 1982 in Topeka.  She survives with their two sons, Andrew Raul and Alexander Thomas Gutierrez, father, Raul Gutierrez, Sr. of Topeka, three brothers Thomas R. Gutierrez of Topeka, Edmund V. Gutierrez of Kansas City, KS and Joseph C. (Letitia) Gutierrez of Topeka, three sisters, Rebecca A. (Tony Diaz) Gutierrez of Topeka, Rosemary G. Gutierrez and Cynthia C. Nesbit both of Topeka, in laws, Ray and Jo-Ann Miller of Alma, sisters in laws, Jean Merz (Alvin) of Meriden, Karen Lewis (Robert) of Topeka, brother in law, Danny R. Miller (Charmin) of Alma, grandmother in law, Lorene Miller of Alma, and many nieces, nephews and godchildren.  Ralph was preceded in death by his mother, Trinidad Gutierrez and a sister Patricia A. Young.

The family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday at Mother Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Church, 2014 NW 46th Street, where the Parish will have a prayer vigil at 7:00 p.m.  Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Thursday at Mother Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Church.  Interment will follow in Mount Calvary Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to North Topeka Rotary Club, Mother Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Church or Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church and sent in care of the Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, KS 66603.

Online condolences to www.brennanmathenafh.com.