Neil William Gute

Neil William Gute, age 59, of Coon Rapids passed away on Sunday, January 10, 2016 at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines. Born on March 18, 1956 in Manning, IA, he was the son of Clarence Orville and Evelyn Caroline (Beyerink) Gute. Neil was a lifelong resident of Coon Rapids. His life started out like most country kids: bailing hay, shelling corn, walking beans, and detasseling. He graduated from Coon Rapids High School and attended Iowa State University. Neil was married to Sandy Peak Johnston at the First Christian Church in Coon Rapids in 1994. Neil did seasonal labor for the Garst and Thomas Seed Corn Plant and later worked for Coffee and Coffee Construction. He also worked for the local lumber yard before and after college. Neil then became an electrician as a journeyman for Venteicher Electric until he suffered a stroke in December of 2011. Neil proudly served as a volunteer fire fighter for the Coon Rapids Fire Department for over 20 years. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, woodworking, working on puzzles in front of the wood stove, and helping his parents until their passing. Neil also enjoyed spending time with his children, attending auctions and garage sales with friends, and caring for his dogs over the years including his current dog, Star. Neil is survived by a brother Danny Gute of Macomb, MO; his step-children: Diana Johnston (Tyler Ireland) of Coon Rapids, James Johnston of Coon Rapids, and Daniel Johnston (Shelby Shaw) of Ankeny; his former wife Sandy Peak of Coon Rapids; and several aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Neil was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents. Funeral service will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Thursday, January 14, 2016 at the First Christian Church in Coon Rapids with Pastor Ben Ramirez of First Christian Church in Coon Rapids officiating. Organist for the service will be Laura Lee Ramirez. Visitation will be held from 5-7 P.M. on Wednesday at the Dahn and Woodhouse Funeral Home in Coon Rapids. Visitation will resume at 9:30 A.M. on Thursday at the First Christian Church. Burial will be in the Union Township Cemetery near Coon Rapids. Casket bearers will be James Johnston, Daniel Johnston, Craig Ayers, Rob Olson, Wil Shaw, and Paul Beyerink. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Dahn and Woodhouse Funeral Home in Coon Rapids and online condolences may be left for the family at www.dahnandwoodhouse.com