Laurel Nichol Gutke Obituary (1912 - 2006)

“Grandma Cookie” Laurel Nichol Gutke, died unto the Lord on a beautiful summer evening on Sept 7th. She had been waiting for the day that Harold would come and say, as he often did in life, “Come on Laurel, let’s go home” He finally came. Laurel was born January 12, 1912 to James R. Nichol and Alice Wright Nichol in Holladay, Utah. She married Harold R. Gutke on April 28th, 1933. Uncle Hank died Feb. 15th 1995 leaving Laurel alone after 62 years of marriage. With her children, many grand-children, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren she was kept busy and active until the last couple of months. The greatest trial of Laurel’s life was losing two children in pregnancies that resulted in her being unable to bear children. She turned this trial into her greatest strength as she took on the task of raising three of her nephews and a niece and her own child through the miracle of adoption. Laurel was able to bless the lives of her brothers by providing life long child care during difficult times in their lives. The lives of Jack, Irene, Robert, Ross and Hal were enriched with the love and care she provided them till the end of her life. She was employed for 30 years at First Security Bank. She was an active LDS member and worked at the Jordan River Temple. She is preceded in death by her husband Harold, her parents James and Alice, and brothers and sisters, Vaughn, LeGrande, Wayne, Mark, Gladys, Ruth, Rulon, LaRue, and Royce. She is survived by her brother Vern (Verna) Nichol, and sister LaVae (Joseph) Cook. Also survived by her children: Jack (JoAnn) Nichol, Irene (Ivin) Munson, Robert (Sandra) Nichol, Ross (LoiAnn) Nichol, and Hal (Becky) Gutke. The family will visit with the extended family and friends Sunday, Sept 10th at Jenkins Soffe Mortuary, 4760 So. State Street from 5 to 7 pm. Funeral Services will be held Monday at the Cottonwood 6th Ward Chapel, 4930 So. Westmoor Rd, (1665 East), at 1:00 pm. A viewing will be held from 12 to 12:45 prior to the services. In lieu of flowers the family suggests that you make a donation to a charity of your choice.