Carl David Gutsche

Carl David Gutsche's remarkable 97-year life and career came to a natural end on August 28, 2018. Born on March 21, 1921, in La Grange Park, IL, to Frank Carl Gutsche and Vera Virginia Mutchler, he is survived by his wife Alice, brother Graham, children Clara, Betha, and Christopher, grandchildren Sarah Gutsche-Miller, Alice and Oliver Gutsche-Smith, and great-granddaughter Hannah Vande Moortele. 

David received a Ph.D. in organic chemistry from the University of Wisconsin in 1947 and began his 42-year career in the Department of Chemistry at Washington University, St. Louis, MO. Among his many honors and awards, the one he treasured most was the Alumni Foundation Teaching Award, given on the basis of feedback from former students. In 1989, David accepted the Robert A. Welch Chair in Chemistry at Texas Christian University. He retired at the age of 80. 

David Gutsche is considered the "godfather of modern Calixarene chemistry," a field he set in motion in the mid-70s when he researched molecular structures capable of assuming basket-like formations. He named them calixarenes, taking inspiration from the shape of the "calyx krater" Greek vase. David authored several text books on organic chemistry and calixarenes. (website: sites.google.com/site/cdgutsche/)

David's many talents and passions included music, sailing, photography and woodworking. He was an accomplished pianist and cellist and served on the boards of the St. Louis Conservatory of the Arts, Fort Worth Chamber Music Society, and Olympic Music Festival. He and Alice enjoyed many years of sailing, skippering their sloop Divertimento. David also once crewed in the Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac. David produced many beautiful photographs and crafted handsome and enduring furniture. 

A memorial service will be held at Horizon House (900 University St) on  Saturday, October 20, at 1:00pm.

Please share memories of Carl on his guestbook at www.emmickfunerals.com

Emmick Family Funeral & Cremation Services - Seattle, Washington

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Carl David Gutsche, please visit our floral store.