Jo Ann Gutekunst

Jo Ann Gudekunst, 91, passed away surrounded by her loving family.

Jo Ann was a strong, godly woman who was always grateful for the gift of life. Her faith was at the center of everything she did, and she was a true prayer warrior. Each morning, she began her day with prayer, Bible reading, and devotions. She spent much of her time praying for others and lifting up the people she loved. Having grown up as a preacher's daughter, Jo Ann was raised in the Church of the Nazarene, where she also taught Sunday school. She later spent much of her time at Glad Tidings Church in Lake Charles.

Jo Ann enjoyed reading, cooking, and baking. She was also an amazing seamstress who could sew entire dresses from scratch. She loved traveling and spent many years exploring the country with her daughter, Deborah "Debbie" Gutekunst, until Debbie's passing in 2016.

Jo Ann treasured her family, especially her son, William, and daughter, Debbie. She eagerly awaited the day she would become a grandmother, and when that day finally came, it was a special blessing in her life. She also dearly loved her dog, who became one of her greatest companions. She was also very close to her cousins; Judy Dugas, Jimmy Wayne and others.

Her faith brought her many wonderful friendships throughout the years. Jo Ann was part of a close-knit group of older Christian singles who enjoyed traveling together, sharing meals, and attending Christian concerts. These friendships brought her much happiness and fellowship.

Those left to cherish her memory include her son, William "Bill" Gutekunst and his wife, Cinthia; and her grandson, Ezekiel Gutekunst.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 27 years, George Gutekunst; and her daughter, Deborah Gutekunst; her sister Pat Harris; and her parents Walter Willis Hoffpauir, and Myrtle Edith Faulk Hoffpauir

A graveside service for Jo Ann will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, November 2, 2026, at Highland Memory Gardens in Lake Charles, Louisiana.