Clyde Gutke has watched 53 beautiful springs come and go from his property at 5283 Hollady Blvd.
Clyde and Gladys are enjoying these golden days of “retirement.” Perhaps it’s because they are so busy. When they aren’t fixing up the house and yard they’re doing things with their four boys who live nearby, their six grandchildren, Clyde’s brother Willard and wife Lucille, (who live just two doors away) and other family members.
Clyde was born in Salt Lake City August 25, 1904, but moved with his family to Douglas, Arizona, when he was three years old. The five boys and three girls grew up there, and when Clyde was 16, they returned to this area. His father purchased the property on Holladay Blvd, and gave each son a building lot. That was in 1919. His mother died 25 years ago, his father 9 years ago, and his step-mother just the past year.
Clyde and Gladys met on a double-date—each with someone else. He was much attracted to the fun-loving, pretty girl, and after dating two years, they decided the country’s financial problems did not mean they should put off being married.
“So what if we didn’t have money? Nobody else did, and we managed to have a wonderful time,” they agreed. They were married in 1934, rented a duplex in town and became the area’s most enthusiastic tennis players. “I’d have dinner on the table the minute he got home from work. We’d eat and then play tennis until the lights were turned out at 10 pm. We played in tournaments, we danced, had parties, played games, had lots of friends and lots of fun,” Gladys recalled.
They built their present home in 1936, and have lived there since. “We feel we’re a part of Holladay,” they said.
Gladys’ father died when she was two years old, her mother only two years ago. She has a sister in Midvale, one in Sandy, and a brother in Richland, Washington. A third sister who has made her home with the Gutkes until recently now resides in a rest home.
Clyde and Gladys became the proud parents of four lively, healthy happy sons, who grew to manhood here. They are Robert, an electrical engineer for Salt Lake City School Board. His is married to Lynne Doxey and they have two boys, David, 4, and Jeffrey, 9 months. Robert fulfilled a mission to Argentina. They are building a new home at the mouth of the canyon area.
Richard Kent is a happy bachelor. In addition to being a radar technician for Federal Aviation Agency, that is. Maintaining his own apartment in Murray, he also teaches classes at National Guard, goes fishing and comes home often.
Gerrold Lynn, married to Edra Durfey, is still a student. However, he works at carpet installation for Southeast Furniture Company, and is the father of Michael, 4, Troy, 2, and Tonya, 8 months. They have a home in Sandy.
Dennis Wayne lives with his wife, Lurlene Palmer, and one year old daughter, Deniane, in Sandy. He is a reserve officer with Sandy police force and a security guard for the Church on Temple Square. In addition, he manages to get classes in at the “U.” Dennis and Lurlene (formerly of Blanding) met while they were both missionaries in New Zealand.
Clyde worked as a mechanic for Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad, then five years with Bingham and Garfield Railroad (Utah Copper Company) and 23 years for the Kennecott Arthur plant. Since retirement he works part-time as a crossing guard guiding school children through traffic.
He has worked in many church capacities, including activity counselor in YMMIA, in the presidency of the Elders, 70s and High Priest Quorums. Together Clyde and Gladys taught square dancing a few years back.
Gladys has had practically every job in the Church. “You name it and I’ve had it,” she says . . . MIA and Sunday School teacher, Junior Sunday School Coordinator, MIA Stake Board Member, MIA Presidency, Primary and Relief Society teacher.
She has worked as a dental assistant, secretary in real estate, secretary for South East Furniture Company, as a legal secretary, and as TV coordinator and secretary at East High School. “Go back to work? I’m undecided. Sometimes I think I will, but I think we’ll just have some fun first. We’ll fix up the house and play a lot. At first I thought I’d go back to college and get my degree. But now, I just want to play. We enjoy the grandchildren so much and Clyde is so good with the kids,” Gladys said.
And the youngsters are very fond of him. Even little neighborhood friends bring him special goodies they’ve fixed up especially for him. One little school girl brought a sign that said “Special” for Clyde to wear on his tie. And “Special” is a word for both of these fine people. It is our good fortune to know them as “Brother” and “Sister” as well as neighbors and friends.
“The Good Word” The Holladay 27th Ward, May 1972
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