Jeffery Michael Gutschow

Jeff was my little brother, but he was also a son, a father, and a friend to many. Smart, funny, compassionate, sensitive, loyal, with a contagious smile and the best laugh (which we always called a cackle). But, among all those wonderful qualities he was also an addict. He struggled and fought the addiction demon more than once--and prevailed, more than once. He passed away when he had been sober for more than a month. An accidental overdose. The impact that day left on me, I cannot put into words. I spent so much of my life as his big sister, trying to protect him and wanted nothing more than for him to be happy. Anyone, or any family, that is dealing with, has dealt with, or has lost someone due to addiction, I truly feel your hurt and pain in the depths of my soul. I miss him with every breath I take, and every minute that passes. His daughter, 4 year old Sarabella Grace, is the most beautiful gift he left for our family. We still get to see a small glimpse of his humor, his smile, and his infectious spirit through her, and for that, we are forever thankful.