Carol K. Gutwein, 82, of Francesville, IN passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus on Monday, September 14, 2026 at Parkview Haven Retirement Home in Francesville.
She was born on January 2, 1944 in Rensselaer, IN to the late Harold and Marie (Knochel) Schieler. After graduating from Remington High School in 1962, she worked at State Farm Insurance and St. Elizabeth Hospital both in Lafayette, IN. On April 16, 1972, she married Philip R. Gutwein in Remington.
Carol’s life was marked by a deep love for God and a genuine love for people. She had a special place in her heart for children, her family, her church, her community, and anyone who was lonely or in need. Her life of servanthood is her legacy.
She was an incredible helpmate to her husband, Phil, faithfully walking beside him through life with love, strength, encouragement, and devotion. She embraced not only the family they built together, but their large extended families. She loved being “Aunt Carol” to so many, and she had a remarkable way of making each person feel special, welcomed, and loved.
She served in countless ways, many of them quiet and unseen. She prepared meals and delivered them to others, cut flowers from her garden to brighten the homes of shut-ins, volunteered freely, taught Sunday school, and opened her home again and again. Around her table were not only family and friends, but missionaries, the elderly, the lonely, and anyone who needed a place to belong. Hospitality was not simply something Carol practiced; it was part of who she was. Everyone was welcome.
Her grandchildren were among the greatest joys of her life, and she delighted in knowing and loving each of them. She had an extraordinary memory, especially for numbers, and could recall hundreds of birthdays, addresses, and phone numbers - a small but telling reflection of how closely she paid attention to people.
Carol was also a woman of prayer and Scripture. She began and faithfully maintained a women’s Bible study and was known as a prayer warrior, carrying the needs of others before God. Her favorite hymn was “Great Is Thy Faithfulness”, and its message reflected the confidence with which she lived. She trusted in God’s faithfulness throughout her life and continued to trust Him to the very end.
Faith was woven into the rhythm of her days. She played the piano and sang every Sunday morning before church, filling her home with music and worship. Long before illness came, Carol spoke often of Heaven. She did not fear going home; she longed for it and was ready when the time came.
Yet Carol’s faithfulness was never somber. She was quick-witted, loved a good one-liner, and seemed to have learned early in life that a smile and a few well-chosen words could bring joy to almost any moment. She served seriously, but she did not always take herself seriously.
Carol leaves behind more than memories. She leaves an example: a life of prayer, hospitality, generosity, humor, devotion to family, and steady service to others - a life that trusted deeply in the faithfulness of God and sought to reflect that faithfulness to everyone she encountered.
Survivors include:
Phillip R. Gutwein, Francesville, IN Husband
Samuel D. (wife: Carrie) Gutwein, Medaryville, IN Son
Marie A. (husband: Andrew) Kaufmann, Towanda, IL Daughter
Aleksandr Gutwein, Grandson
Ruth Gutwein, Granddaughter
Joseph (wife: Nicole) Kaufmann, Grandson
Maggie Kaufmann, Granddaughter
Chet Kaufmann, Grandson
Drew Kaufmann, Grandson
Diane (husband: Phil) Isabel, Remington, IN Sister
Sue Schieler, Nappanee, IN Sister-in-law
Ike (wife: Wendy) Schwab, Random Lake, WI Foster Brother
Many Nieces and Nephews
Preceded in death by:
Harold and Marie (Knochel) Schieler, Parents
Willard Schieler, Brother
Visitation will be from 3:00-7:00 PM EDT Sunday, September 20, 2026 at Frain Mortuary in Francesville and from 9:30-10:30 AM EDT Monday, September 21, 2026 at the Apostolic Christian Church in Francesville
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM EDT Monday, September 21, 2026 at the Apostolic Christian Church in Francesville with Ministers of the Church officiating.
Burial will take place at Roseland Cemetery in Francesville.
Memorial Contributions may be made to LifeWise Academy at West Central or Humanitarian Distribution Center.
Online Tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Francesville.
