Guy A. Gottschalk

Guy Alan Gottschalk peacefully passed from this life on July 15, 2025, surrounded by his loving family, at the age of 76.

Guy was a devoted husband, proud father, and fun-loving Grandad. He was also a lifelong philanthropist, nonprofit board volunteer, and member of First Congregational Church, United Church of Christ. He was known for his wit and his wisdom and touched the lives of so many. We miss him dearly.

Guy was born on June 8, 1949, to Robert and Helen Gottschalk in Wisconsin Rapids, WI. He grew up on the marsh in Cranmoor, graduated from Wayland Academy in 1967, and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1973. While in college, he enjoyed playing rugby and met his one true love.

Guy and Kathleen (Timeus) were married June 22, 1974, in Wauwatosa, WI. They celebrated 51 years of wedded bliss in 2025. Throughout their marriage they enjoyed traveling, hosting family and friends at the cottage on Lake Petenwell, staying at the condo in Door County, and spending winters in Venice, Florida beginning in 2009.

Guy was a 4th generation cranberry grower who owned and operated Gottschalk Cranberry Inc. with his parents and wife and later his children. His passion for growing cranberries, his fellow growers, the Ocean Spray Cooperative, and the success of the industry ran deep. Guy served as President of both the Wisconsin State Cranberry Growers Association (WSCGA) and the Wisconsin Cranberry Board. He served on the Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc. board for eight years and helped to establish the Board of Directors Award of Excellence program to honor Ocean Spray employees who went above and beyond. Guy’s favorite way to enjoy cranberries was his mother’s cranberry pie, a recipe he shared far and wide and he even carried a copy in his wallet.

Guy was proud to be a Badger alum and generously gave his time and resources to his alma mater. He served as Chairman of the Board of Visitors for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, on the University Foundation Board, and most impressively, as President Emeritus of the University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents. He greatly valued education.

Guy genuinely cared for the Wisconsin Rapids area community. He served on the Riverview Hospital Board and Riverview Foundation Board and felt one of his greatest achievements was his work in helping to establish the Cancer Center so people could receive treatment closer to home. Across our community are things Guy helped make happen, though he preferred little to no recognition for them. He counted many blessings and felt that he needed to pay them forward.

Guy was an avid reader, a boating enthusiast, a member of Up River Gun Club, and dabbled in golf. He was a sports fan, cheering for the Wisconsin Badger football and volleyball teams and a shareholder of the Green Bay Packers.

Guy is survived by his wife, Kathy; daughter, Fawn Gottschalk; son, Andrew Gottschalk and daughter-in-law Jennifer; grandchildren River Laack, Gavyn Laack, James Weiker, and Jillian Weiker; brother Jon Gottschalk; sister-in-law Mary Ann Timeus, brother- and sister-in-law Tom & Mimi Timeus; nephew Brian Gottschalk, nieces Tara Drachenberg and Kristin DeGroot, Alexian Timeus and Lieren Timeus.

Guy was preceded in death by his parents Robert & Helen (Rezin) Gottschalk; sister Edna, brother Kim; in-laws Edward and Ruth Timeus; sister-in-law Gloria Gottschalk; and numerous friends.

We extend our gratitude to Dr. Maldonado, Dr. Puig-Marquez, and the SICU team at Marshfield Medical Center and to the teams at Mayo Clinic Rochester for the excellent care they provided Guy.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Herman-Taylor Funeral Home & Cremation Center, and another on Wednesday, August 6 at 9:00 AM at Rooted In Red. A Celebration of Life will follow the visitation on Wednesday at 11:00 AM at Rooted In Red at Dempze Cranberry, 1060 Center Street, Wisconsin Rapids, WI.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Guy’s honor to Boys & Girls Club of the Wisconsin Rapids Area Endowment Fund, The Family Center, or ODC.