Arnoldo Gutierrez

On January 30, 2014 the heavens opened up and welcomed with opened arms, our Father, Arnoldo D. Gutierrez. He was surrounded by his family and closest friends. A person's life is made of two dates and a dash. Our Dad made the most of his "dash." His life was full of love, commitment and faith. It was a rich "dash," rich in love for his family, his faith, and his country. He was one of 11 children of Josefa and Adolfo Gutierrez Orphaned at a young age, true to the Gutierrez spirit, the older siblings took over and finished raising their siblings. Arnoldo proudly served in the Korean War. He served in the Army under KMAG. Anyone who truly knew Arnoldo knows what KMAG stands for (Korean Military Advisory Group) and later served as President of the Korean War Veterans Association. He returned to marry the love of his life, Graciela A. Hernandez. They filled their life with children, six of their own and many more through their children's friends. Arnoldo was a mentor, counselor, and advisor but most of all a loyal friend. Arnoldo became a Vocational Educator and motivated many young students to become great leaders in the community. He was a leader by example, never asking you to do anything he wasn't willing to do himself. It was through his faith that he took the challenge to become the Charter Grand Knight at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. Our Dad instilled a burning faith within each of his children to serve in their parishes and communities. It is with a heavy heart that we say "Goodbye" to our dear Father but we have peace in our hearts knowing that he will be reunited with the love of his life. His memory will never be forgotten for it has been engraved in our hearts and the values which define us. With every flag raising and every time we recite the rosary lies the root of who our Parents were and who they raised us to be. Arnoldo D. Gutierrez is preceded in death by his wife, Graciela A. Gutierrez RN/BSN. He is survived by his brothers, Feliciano (Amparo ) and Hector D. Gutierrez (Martha) as well as his sister, Rosa Smith (Col. Philip Smith ) and his sister-in-law, Carmen Erazo (Arely); children, Francisco Gutierrez (Rita), Oscar Gutierrez (Elizabeth), Emma Alfaro (Eugenio), Jose L. Gutierrez (Aurora), Marta D. Flores (James) and Hector M. Gutierrez (Ida); Fifteen grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, and many nephews and nieces. Special thanks to everyone who took the time to visit with our Father and especially we extend our sincere appreciation to his caregiver, Luz Martinez as well as to his Physicians and Medical Personnel. He was blessed with so many loyal friends. Visitation will be held on Sunday, February 02, 2014 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapel, 1410 Jacaman Rd. A Rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. Funeral procession will depart on Monday morning, February 03, 2014 at 10 a.m. from the funeral home to Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. Military Honors and Interment will then follow to the Laredo City Cemetery - Veteran's Section. Military Honors will be provided by: American Legion Post 59 and Fort Sam Houston Honor Guard. You may express your condolences and sign the guestbook online at: www.joejacksonfuneralchapels.com Arrangements are under the direction of the funeral service professionals at Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels, 1410 Jacaman Rd., Laredo, Texas 78041; (956) 722-8850.