E. Michele Gutierrez

E. Michele Gutiérrez, 79, of Kohler, passed away with her family by her side on Friday, March 1, 2024 at St. Luke’s Medical Center in Milwaukee.  She was born September 10, 1944 in Vandalia, IL to the late Michael and Lorene (Filer) Armon.  Michele graduated from Vandalia Community High School with the Class of 1962, and went on to receive her Bachelors of Art Degree from Eastern Illinois University and then received her Masters Degree in Education from Lakeland University.

On March 25, 1971 she was united in marriage to Manuel de Jesús Gutiérrez.  Michele was a talented artist in painting, printmaking, mixed media, and sculpting. She shared her talents with people of all ages through her insightful and patient teaching. Over her career she taught all ages from childhood through university art studio courses as well as working at art galleries (Edgewood Orchard Galleries, Fish Creek, among others), with the JM Kohler Arts Museum in collections and restoration, and in community service (SVA and Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, etc.). Michele’s passion for the arts, no doubt fostered by her artist father, did not prevent her from being an avid reader, enjoying football (Go Pack!), and journaling. As a mother, Michele’s love for and pride in her two children were evident to all.

Michele is survived by her husband of 53 years Manuel, two daughters Maya Consuelo (Claude Bauschinger) Gutiérrez of Brooklyn, NY and Andrea Lorene (Jayant Sirohi) Gutiérrez of Austin, TX and grandchildren Siri Ratna Gutiérrez Sirohi and Asha Sundari Gutiérrez Sirohi. She is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.  Michele was preceded in death by her parents and sister Mary Armon.

A Celebration of Michele’s Life will be held on Saturday, May 18, 2024 with a time of recognition at 2:00 pm at Ballhorn Chapels Funeral & Cremation Care Center, 1201 N. 8^th St. Sheboygan. Relatives and friends may visit with the family on Saturday, May 18, 2024 from 12:00 noon until the time of recognition, and are welcome to share words, memories, and music at the gathering in recognition. Those who come to honor Michele will also be able to enjoy an informal exhibition of many of her works of art. Those unable to join the family for the time of recognition may view it on Michele’s obituary page on the funeral home website.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made on Michele’s memorial page (https://everloved.com/life-of/e-michele-gutierrez/donate/?flow=202 ) in Michele’s name; funds collected will be directed to an arts education charity or arts scholarship fund, yet to be determined. A memorial will be placed in her honor with a gift of her family land and forest area to her town of birth as perpetual parkland.