Obituaries

Donna Rae (Francis) Guttke of Florence, KY, passed away peacefully on Monday April 6th, 2026 at home with family by her side. She was born on February 12, 1941 and was adopted at a very young age by Ethel (Nelson) and George Francis.

She grew up in Chicago, IL and graduated from Calumet High School in 1959. Donna and Norman Guttke, Jr. married in 1962. Together they settled in Hoffman Estates, IL where they lived for over 43 years. They were small business owners and worked in the paint industry until they retired and moved to Florence, KY in 2006.

Donna will be remembered for her bright smile, lined by red lipstick, her gold heart necklace, a gift from her beloved Norm, and her brilliant holiday table decorations, arranged every season upon a perfectly ironed tablecloth. She was a woman of extraordinary strength, having faced adversity in the form of many health challenges since childhood. Her secret to a long life? A slice of chocolate cake for breakfast and a can of coke in the afternoon each day.

Her love and reverence for the Lord’s creation was most evident in her devotion to birds of all kinds. Until her passing, Donna kept a detailed log of the migration of hummingbirds, making note of their first and last visit every year. She saw great beauty in the striking red color of cardinals and much like the birds, who mate for life, she and Norm had the purest, most loving marriage anyone could hope for.

Donna was preceded in death by her husband Norman, parents Ethel and George Francis, step-mother Ila Francis, sibling Johnnye Francis, and grandson Maxwell Alan Guttke.

She is survived by daughter Beth (Jon) LaBree of Florence, KY; son Marc (Amanda nee Stout) Guttke of Hampshire, IL and grandchildren Tyler, Trevor, Adam and Alex LaBree and Madigan, Delanie and Avery Guttke; and many loving nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at the convenience of the family.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.stithfuneralhome.com