Mark Gutz

M ark G utz was born June 4, 1960, at Schuyler, NE.  He died July 14, 2024, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney following a long struggle with mental illness.

Mark, the son of Albert and Loverna Gutz, grew up with a very God centered family in Shelby, NE.  After graduating from high school he hired on with the Union Pacific Railroad.  Mark started in Maintenance of Way then became an Engineer and Hostler in the yards, and when he went out, it was on the southern route to Morel, NE. His job brought him to North Platte in 1988.

On December 31, 1990, Mark married Lisa Blea. They had three children, Carl,  Regis and Nicole, and later divorced when the kids were in high school.

Mark regularly attended New Life Church.  He enjoyed gardening, fishing, listening to music and traveling.  When Mark's young son Carl died in 1990, his life changed as he began suffering from mental illness.

He is survived by his children, Regis Gutz and Nicole Gutz (Billy Wright), and former wife, Lisa Nelsen (Kelly), all of North Platte; siblings, Gregory Gutz (Alice) of Fremont, Timothy Gutz (Dixie) and Lori Borchers (Terry) of Columbus, and Becky "Little Bro" Rose (John) of New Castle, WY; brother-in-law, Matt Thomas of Genoa; and other family.

Along with his son, Mark was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Kimberley Thomas; sister-in-law, Pamela Gutz; and a grandchild.

Celebration of Mark's life will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, August 5, at Odean Colonial Chapel with Pastor Dave Cumming officiating.  Inurnment will be in Floral Lawns Memorial Gardens.  Online condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com.  Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements.