Sixto Lopez-Gutierrez

Mr. Sixto Lopez-Gutierrez passed away Wednesday, April 22, 2015 at his residence. Sixto Lopez-Gutierrez, a 93-year-old World War II veteran was born March 28, 1922 in Seguin, Texas to Rudolfo (Pedro) and Maria Gutierrez. He was the fourth eldest of 9 brothers and one sister. Sixtos paternal great-grandfather had migrated from Spain by way of Mexico where he settled in Seguin, Texas.
As Sixto was growing up in Seguin, he attended Geronimo School. He would walk 3 miles to school with cardboard on the inside of his worn out or outgrown shoes that had holes in the soles because his parents could not afford shoes for all the children they had at the time. His mother would make a large stack of flour tortillas for him and his brothers for lunch in a tall container to take to school, but Sixto would be so hungry in the morning that he would eat his portion on the way to school.
At the age of 17, Sixto decided to leave his parents to create his own path in life and joined the CC Camp that took him to Arizona where he worked and learned more skills as a young man. He eventually worked his way back to Michigan with the CC Camp, working in Cadillac, Michigan where he helped build the old highway that many traveled back then to Saginaw.
Sixto worked for General Motors as a machine operator and retired in 1974 after 31 years. He was member of Union Local 668. He enjoyed being outdoors working in the yard, especially building BBQ grills and fixing trailers and selling them. He loved watching old western movies, going to McDonalds to meet his friends for coffee every morning and loved watching the Detroit Tigers. He enjoyed sitting on the porch in the summertime to watch the cars go by. Family was very important to him. He was a hardworking man who worked two and three jobs to support his family. He was a perfect example of unconditional love and patience. He was a wonderful father, grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great-grandfather and a loyal friend to those who knew him. His kindness and compassion extended to even the stranger in need. Sixto enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1942 during World War II and was honorably discharged. He was also a member of the American Legion Post 500 of Saginaw, Michigan for 31 years, serving as Post Commander four years. He will be deeply missed!
He leaves to cherish his memory, one daughter, Anita Gutierrez-Frost; stepdaughter, Lydia Ayala, granddaughter, Michelle Minnis, great-grandchildren, Sofia Minnis, Bionka Minnis-Mayse, Hilario Levario, Chyna Minnis and Crystal Minnis; He also leaves nine great-great-grandchildren; one sister, Angelita Garcia; one brother, Rudolfo Gutierrez; many nieces, nephews and friends.
Mr. Gutierrez was preceded in death by his parents, Rudolfo (Pedro) and Maria Gutierrez; eight brothers, Augustin, Ynocencio, Margarito, Francisco, Santos, Vicente, Jesus and Julian Gutierrez and a granddaughter, Yvette Minnis.
The family would like to express special thanks to Joyce Petrimoulx and Debbie Gonzales for their help in making these arrangements easier for the family, Candy for your generosity in arranging the casket spray.
Visitation: Monday, April 27, 2015 - 1:00 p.m. until time of service
Family Hour: 5:00 p.m - 6:00 p.m. (Family and Friends are welcome)
Paradise Funeral Chapel
3100 South Washington Avenue
Saginaw, Michigan 48601
(989)754-4826
Funeral Service: Monday, April 27, 2015 - 6:00 p.m.
Paradise Funeral Chapel
3100 South Washington Avenue
Saginaw, Michigan 48601
(989)754-4826
Officiating: Pastor Julian Gonzales, Greater Dimensions Church