William George Gutknecht

Newport, Oregon resident, William “Bill” George Gutknecht, 80, passed away from a stroke, Thursday, August 6 at the Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center in Corvallis, Oregon. Bill was born September 18, 1945, in Marshfield, Wisconsin where he was raised, graduated high school, and furthered his education attending college at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire in the early 1970’s. He entered into the United States Army on November 9, 1967, serving in the 101st Airborne Division in Vietnam for 1 year and 3 months until he was honorably discharged August 29, 1969. He was awarded a Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Vietnam Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Combat Infantryman’s Badge and Army Commendation Medal. Bill had worked at the Chippewa Haberdashery in Chippewa Falls, WI in the early 70’s and then at McCain’s Clothing Store in Medford, WI in the mid 1970’s. He owned and operated Independent Family Insurance Company in Medford, WI in the late 1970’s. Bill and Joan relocated to South Pasadena, FL where Bill owned and operated Preferred Yacht Sales, Inc in St. Petersburg, FL until retirement. Later in life, Bill worked as Camp Host at Camp San Luis Obispo Military Base in California from 2023 to 2026. Bill was a practicing Lutheran and enjoyed sailing, dancing, snow and water skiing, watching professional and college sports, travel, RVing, hiking and spending time with his rescue dog Brady. “Bill was a devoted husband with a large heart. He was kind, caring and generous. He had a love of country and cherished his family and friends,” wrote the family. Bill was preceded in death by his parents George & Lorrayne Gutknecht; and his wife Joanne “Joan” Gutknecht. He is survived by his brother and sister in-law, James “Jim” and Deborah “Deb” Gutknecht of Peshtigo, WI; niece, Nichole and David Holtz and their children of Alexandria, MN; nephew, Eric Gutknecht and Jamie Carviou and their children of Peshtigo, WI; brother and sister in-law, Richard “Rick” and Joy Gutknecht of Newport, OR; nephew, John and Dinika Gutknecht and their daughter of San Francisco, CA; and niece, Jessica "Jesse" Gutknecht of San Francisco, CA. Bill will be laid to rest with military honors next to his wife Joan at the Arlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Bill’s name to your local animal humane society. Arrangements were cared for by the Bateman Funeral Home.

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William George Gutknecht

September 18, 1945 - August 6, 2026