Harry Guttroff, 79 of Springfield passed away on Saturday November 10 in his home with his family by his side after a valiant battle with melanoma.

Harry was greatly loved by his wife and family. He was born May 11, 1933 in New York, the eldest of three sons, to Matilda and Harold Guttroff with brothers Ray and Bob.. He grew up in New York City and then moved to Douglaston, Long Island when he was seventeen. It was then that he met his sweetheart and life-long love, Joyce. They dated for five years and were married in 1956. After being transferred to St. Louis, Missouri, Harry and Joyce had three daughters, Cindy, Beth, and Katie. The Guttroff family moved to Springfield in 1971. Harry began working for Harry Cooper Supply Company in 1974 and retired as the electrical sales manager in 1998. After that time he volunteered for numerous organizations such as the Discovery Center, Reed Middle School, the Library, and ESL tutoring at OTC.

Harry was an amazing and one-of-a-kind person. He was always doing things for others, taking care of his family and friends. He had a great sense of humor and was so much fun to be around. Harry loved sailing and being outdoors. Every Sunday he would cook dinner for the entire family, 16 people plus friends. Harry also had a sense of adventure and traveled to many different countries.

Harry will be profoundly missed by his wife, family, and many friends. Our lives will never be the same without him, but we are truly grateful for the time and love that he shared with us.

He is survived by his wife, Joyce of 56 years, three daughters, Cindy Youngblood, Beth Kennedy and Katie Ellsworth, three sons-in-law, seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 13, 6-8 pm at the Klinger Cope Chapel at Rivermonte. Funeral services will be Wednesday November 14, 11 am at St. Elizabeth Anne Seton Church.
The family request memorial donations in Harry's name to the Keith Worthington ALS chapter, 2025 E. Chestnut Expy, suite K. Springfield, MO 65802 on behalf of his friend Howard Bell.