Memorial Service for Sr. Mary Pius Gutoski

Sister Mary Pius Gutoski, 95, a Sister of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, died November 15, 2021 at Avera Mother Joseph Manor, Aberdeen, SD. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:15 a.m. Thursday, November 18, 2021 in the Chapel at Presentation Place, 405 9th Ave NE, Aberdeen, SD. Reverend Joseph Sheehan will be celebrant and homilist. Liturgical Wake service and visitation will be Wednesday, November 17. 2021 at 6:15 p.m. in Presentation Place Chapel. Interment is at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery. Spitzer-Miller Funeral Home, 1111 S Main Street, is in charge of arrangements.

Eufrzyne Frances Gutoski was born August 28, 1926 in Chicago, IL to Sophie (Kowolski) and August Gutoski. She graduated from Providence High School, Chicago, 1944 and entered Presentation Convent January 22, 1944. She received the religious name of Sister Mary Pius and professed vows on August 10, 1946. Sister Mary Pius earned a BS in education from Northern State University and an MS from the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana. In 1991 she was certified by the School of Therapeutic Massage, Lapeer, IL. Sister Mary Pius’s ministry in education spanned over 20 years in Milbank, Dell Rapids, Sioux Falls, Madison, Mitchell and Aberdeen, SD; and 22 years ministering in the inner-city public schools, Flint, MI. She also served 11 years as a massage therapist in Flint. Sister said, “I asked the Lord to work through me. When I work, I pray. A massage helps one heal; if you feel better physically, you feel better mentally and spiritually.”

She is survived by her step-brother, Mel Jozwiak and her community family of Presentation Sisters. She is preceded in death by her parents; her sister Geraldine Iwanowicz and brother Raymond Gutoski. www.spitzerfuneralhome.com