Passed away at his residence, Tuesday, September 20, 2011 surrounded by his loving family. Age 89 years.\r\n\r\nBeloved father of Rick Gutierrez, Karyn Benson, Sharon McDonald and Kimberly (Jay) Creasey. Loving grandfather of Michael, Matthew, Maitlyn Creasey, Melissa (Steve) Breen, Kristen (Al) Dominguez, Jeffrey (Ashley) Benson, Amanda (Gary) Birnbaum and Jason Olivera. Eleven great-grandchildren. He leaves to cherish his memory his brothers and sisters Hope Angeles, David (Carmen) Gutierrez, Carmela Camarena, Tony (Dorathy) Gutierrez, Jesse (Donna) Gutierrez, Robert (Barbara) Gutierrez, Rachel Prado and Dr. Daniel (Barbara) Gutierrez. Also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.\r\n\r\nPreceded in death by his loving wife Genevieve R. Gutierrez (nee Smeets) (1999), a son Ron and his parents Natividad and Felipa Gutierrez.\r\n\r\nJoe was born December 17, 1921 in Temple, Texas. He graduated from Joliet Township High School class of 1940. Veteran of W.W. II serving in the 5th Army Air Corp. in the South Pacific. Life member of V.F.W. Cantigny Post #367, American Legion Harwood Post #5 and Founder of American Legion Post #1284. Member of the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge #300. Following his tour of duty Joe returned to Joliet and formed Joey's Latin Combo. He was a member of many orchestras and bands including the Joliet Symphony Orchestra, Joliet Symphonetts under the direction of Peter Labella, member of the Bicentennial Park Pops Orchestra. Founding member of the American Legion Band, 20 year member of the Lewis Symphony, 21 year member of the Joliet Junior College Band and played with the Mariachi Potosno for 20 years. Member of the American Federations of Musicians for over 50 years. \r\nJoe was the first bugler at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery. He volunteered at the Will County Health Center as a translator. Along with his siblings Tony, Jesse and Carmela, Joe volunteered for mission trips with Eye Care International. Retired from Commonwealth Edison Braidwood Nuclear Power after 39 years. Charter member of Judson Memorial Baptist Church. Founder of Ceco Recreation Club. Joe was also an avid sportsman who enjoyed fishing, hunting, the White Sox and the Bears. \r\n