Milly Anne Gutkoski

Milly Gutkoski passed away on October 29, 2016. She was the third of eight children, born January 2, 1933 to Mike and Anna (Brozovich) Simunich in Boise, Idaho. She attended the rural Franklin School until the high school closed then graduated from St. Theresa’s Academy in the city of Boise. Milly attended St. Patrick School of Nursing in Missoula, Montana and after graduation, returned to Boise where she worked as an R.N at St. Luke’s Hospital. She later moved back to Missoula after marrying Joe Gutkoski. All three children, Mike, Marie and Helen were born at St. Patrick’s Hospital.

In 1964, the family moved to Bozeman, Montana where her children attended Bozeman schools. Milly was associated with activities related to the children including serving as President of Willson PTA when it was the Middle School and as camp nurse for the Campfire summer camps.

She attended Montana State University and received her BSN and Master’s of Nursing. Milly served on the nursing faculty at MSU for 21 years. During her years at MSU, she served on several university committees including the original core committee with then Vice President Stu Knapp. She also chaired the organization at the College of Nursing that obtained a chapter of Sigma Theta Tau, the National Nursing Honor Society (now international).

In December of 1989, she was awarded the Montana State University Pi Sigma Alpha MSU Professor of the month, an award the students selected.

Following her retirement in 1993, she served as a volunteer on several committees and organizations including President of the Montana Nurses Association and the Big Sky Retired Educators. She worked as a volunteer for the Pioneer Museum, including 15 years as secretary.

Milly approached life, family, and profession with honesty and integrity. She raised her three children with unconditional love. She mastered a balance between her faith, family and profession.

Milly embraced motherhood well beyond normal expectations. In 1972, when her oldest daughter was diagnosed with kidney failure, she sought out a successful unprecedented treatment at the University of Washington Hospital. In 1982, after her youngest daughter was diagnosed with kidney failure, she donated her kidney, enabling well over 20 years of a healthy life for that child.

Her love and concern for her children knew no boundaries, traveling the western US to be with her daughters and to Russia, Kuwait and Egypt to visit her son.

Milly was passionate for her nursing career and nursing students. Her goal was to strive for excellence and she often exceeded it.

She was a proud member and volunteer of Resurrection Parish since it was established.

She is predeceased by her parents; daughter Helen Rose Evans; sister Betty Mehl; brother Marko (Butch) Simunich; and nephews Robert and Tommie Crist.

Survivors include husband Joe; son Mike and spouse Luda; daughter Marie and spouse Brian Clark; grandson Kellin Clark and spouse Lauren along with grandson Garret Evans; son-in-law Will Evans; brothers Joe and John Simunich; and sisters Rosie Struyk, Mary Crist, and Chris Miner.

The vigil will take place at Dahl Funeral Home at 6 PM on Thursday, November 3. The Funeral Mass will be held at Resurrection Parish on November 4 at 10:00 AM.

Donations may be made to the charity of your choice.