Racine – Richard B. Guttormsen “Renshi” passed on to eternal life on January 22, 2021 at his home surrounded by his loving family.
Richard was born in Kenosha, WI on July 19th 1934 to the late William and Lucille (Bell) Guttormsen. Richard attended various schools in Kenosha, Adams, Waukesha, and Bremerton, WA before returning and graduating from Kenosha High School in 1952.
He entered the United States Marine Corp on September 1, 1954. He was forever after, a Marine. He proudly served his country in the Korean War. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Sargent on Sept 1, 1957. On June 6th 2015 he was granted an invitation to the Stars and Stripes Honor Flight to Washington DC. Upon his return he was surrounded by his loving family and friends to honor his service. A flag was flown at the Wi State Capital in recognition of his service.
Richard married the love of his life Mary Jane Ferraro on June 29, 1957. He attended college at UW Whitewater where he received his bachelor’s degree and a Masters Degree in Education. He started his teaching career in Kenosha Unified in 1960 as a Sixth Grade Teacher, at McKinley Elementary. He then became an Administrator serving Frank, Wilson, Jane Vernon and Forest Park from which he retired in 1996. He was a passionate Educator and believed that education is the most noble of professions. Both of his children followed in his footsteps and became educators, which made him very proud.
He had a lifelong love for cars. Over the years he owned many; everything from old Ramblers to Porsche sports cars, most of which had more coats of wax on the paint than miles on the tires. He also restored a 1968 AMX which he loved and was proud to drive. His son Kevin attended multiple car shows with him every summer.
In 1966 he also began his study of the art of Karate. He was the first student of Kenosha’s first martial arts instructor, the late Rev. William Foster. His desire to be the best took him to many places to increase his knowledge of the art. He became a Second-Degree Black belt and was honored as a “Renshi,” master teacher. He had a very dedicated group of students that he inspired throughout their own learning of the art. Everyone of his students held a special place in his heart.
During his retirement he enjoyed traveling the world with his high school sweetheart and following the tennis career of his granddaughter Karyn. He shared his love of Japanese Katanas with his grandson Evan. He was a proud grandfather and loved his grandchildren with all he had.
Richard is survived by his two children Kevin Richard (Susan) Guttormsen, and Gretchen Ann (Loren) Smith, two grandchildren Karyn (Tyler) Weiss and Evan Guttormsen, one great grandchild, Levi Weiss, three step grandchildren- Megan (Arne) Johansson, Dewey Warner, Jonathan Warner, one step great grandchild, Walter Johansson, and sister in law, Naomi Guttormsen.
He was preceded in death by his wife Mary Jane Guttormsen, his brother William Guttormsen, a sister Jean Lucille Rizzo, his parents William and Lucille Guttormsen and his in-laws, Serafino and Josephine Ferraro.
Richard will be laid to rest later in June at the Veterans Cemetery in Union Grove with full Military Honors, where again he will be reunited with Mary celebrating their eternal life together. Details will be shared closer to the day with family and friends.
