John Robert Gutknecht

 John Robert Gutknecht, 82, of Noblesville passed away August 21, 2024. He was born March 29, 1942, in Blue Island, Illinois the son of the late Joseph and Ruth Gutknecht. Growing up, the family lived in Hobart, Columbia City, and Rensselaer, before settling down in Rochester, Indiana.

John proudly and honorably served in the United States Navy from 1960 to 1964 where he was a machinist mate on the fleet tanker, Pawcatuck, and on a destroyer. Upon his discharge his love of working with his hands led him to begin his successful career as a sheet metal journeyman. The years of sheet metal work gave him the firmest grip on the planet, as anyone who has ever shaken his hand can testify to. He was a member of the Local 20 Sheet Metal Union. 

On November 29, 1969, he married Nancy Renner. They later moved to Lakeville, IN in 1973 and joined the Calvary Lutheran Church in Plymouth where he served as an usher and held various church offices. In 2011, they settled in Cicero, IN and became members of the Christ Lutheran Church in Noblesville.

He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Nancy Gutknecht; two children, Gary (Michelle) Gutknecht of Noblesville, IN and Amy (Travis) Dowden of Blue Ash, OH; four grandchildren, Ashleigh and Emma Gutknecht, Abigail and Cole Dowden; sister, JoAnn Mears of Columbia, SC; and sister-in-law, Claudia Gutknecht of Sarasota, FL; as well as nieces and nephews in SC and FL. He was preceded in death by parents and brother, Ralph Gutknecht.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Monday, August 26, 2024, at Christ Lutheran Church, 10055 East 186th Street, Noblesville, IN 46060. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service. Memorial contributions may be directed to Christ Lutheran Church, Calvary Lutheran Church, 1314 North Michigan Street, Plymouth, IN 46563, or to the Alzheimer’s Association. Online condolences may be shared by visiting www.flannerbuchanan.com.