Rosemary D. Gutmann, age 89, of Piqua, passed away peacefully at 2:51 a.m. Saturday, August 23, 2025 at Hospice of Miami County, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on August 10, 1936, in Akron, Ohio, to the late Alois and Helen (Riegler) Doerr, who immigrated to the United States from Germany in 1926. She married Paul Phillip Gutmann on June 21, 1958 in Akron, beginning a beautiful marriage that would span over 66 years.
She is survived by her children, Michael (Elizabeth) Gutmann of Piqua, Ted (Maria) Gutmann-Gonzalez of Vilches, Chile, David (Luz Eliana) Gutmann-Fuentes of Cincinnati, and Anne (David) Tobin of Cincinnati. She also leaves behind eleven cherished grandchildren, Claire (Joe) Hodapp, William (Anne) Gutmann, Amanda (Liz) Gutmann-Gonzalez, Abigail Gutmann-Gonzalez, Terra (Brendon) Gutmann-Gonzalez, Andrea (Ben) Allen Gutmann-Fuentes, Amy Gutmann-Fuentes, Hannah (Richard) Cooper, Katherine Tobin, Ellen Tobin, and Margaret Tobin; four great-grandchildren, Louisa, Henry, Margot, and Reese; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Paul; her sister Gertrude Doerr; and her brother Paul Doerr.
Rosemary attended St. Sebastian Grade School, Our Lady of the Elms High School, and earned her teaching certificate at Saint Mary of the Springs College in Columbus. She met her future husband, Paul, an Ohio State University law student on a blind date. After their marriage, they moved to Piqua to begin their life together. Rosemary taught English at Newton High School for one year before taking leave to begin raising her family of four children. Over the rest of her life, she faithfully supported her children and grandchildren in all their activities, always encouraging them with love and quiet strength. She and Paul lovingly restored their historic home on Wayne Street, which served as the gathering place for so many holiday dinners and events. Rosemary was an amazing baker and her breads, cakes and cookies were the delight of her family and neighbors. Her creativity and hospitality was extended to family and guests of the Pickwinn Bed & Breakfast on Downing St. which she and Paul restored and operated together for five years.
Rosemary was a devoted member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Piqua, where she participated in all aspects of parish life including Pre-Cana marriage classes, Cursillo retreats, adoration at St. Clare Chapel, and was a founding member of the parish Mission Commission. She gave generously of her time and talents to decorate the church at Christmas, and championed her children’s schools, including the “Arts in the Class” program at Piqua Catholic, and various Lehman High School activities. She served the wider community through Meals on Wheels, supporting the Bethany Center, Friends of the Piqua Library and YWCA. She was also an engaged member in the Fortnightly Club, Columbian Club and Garden Club, where she built lasting friendships. Rosemary will be remembered for her faith, her kindness and her lifelong devotion to her family, church, and community.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, August 27, 2025 at St. Mary Catholic Church with Rev. Fr. Thomas L. Bolte as Celebrant. Burial will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 p.m. Tuesday at the Jamieson & Yannucci Funeral Home. In keeping with Rosemary’s generous spirit, memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary Catholic Church, 528 Broadway, Piqua, OH 45356; the Lehman Catholic High School Foundation, 2400 St. Mary’s Ave., Sidney, OH 45365; the Piqua Community Foundation, P.O. Box 226, Piqua, OH 45356; or Hospice of Miami County, Inc. 3230 N. County Rd 25A, Troy, OH 45373. Guestbook condolences and expressions of sympathy, to be provided to the family, may be expressed through jamiesonandyannucci.com.