Gutstein, Dr. Richard R. (MD) and Theresa M. Memorial Scholarship Fund

Donor Fund Story:

This scholarship fund was started by Alfred and Joyce Gutstein in honor of his parents, Dr. Richard and Theresa Gutstein who sacrificed to give their four children an excellent education. Alfred and Joyce wanted to help others receive a good education as well.

Dr. Gutstein was born on January 20, 1886 in the town of Lipno, Poland. He graduated from medical school at the University of Berlin. Theresa was born on May 30, 1896 in Regensburg, Germany. She was also educated in Germany. Dr. Richard wrote many professional publications along with being a medical doctor, and Theresa was a teacher while she lived in Germany. She was an avid traveler.

They were married in Denver, Colorado on July 27, 1921 and went on to have Lenora, Armin, Gunilda, and Alfred. Both Richard and Theresa were dedicated parents and they were very intent on giving their children an excellent education. They also encouraged their children to love music and community service. All four children graduated from Kendallville High School and went on to excellent colleges and graduate schools. Lenora became a musician, Armin a medical doctor, Gunilda a teacher, and Alfred an attorney.

Dr. Gutstein and Theresa moved to Colorado in 1921 and in 1923 moved to Kendallville, Indiana. They made many friends in Kendallville and were dedicated to the community through their service. Theresa was in musical and civic groups and Dr. Richard was involved in the community on a daily basis because of his profession.

One of Alfred and Joyce’s favorite memories of Dr. Richard and Theresa was their kindness and their journey from a humble beginning. Psalm 23 was their favorite Scripture passage.

Alfred became a successful attorney in Angola, Indiana and was very active in the community. Joyce is a successful citizen in Steuben County and won the “Woman of the Year” from the Herald-Republican in 1988 and is a registered nurse.

The starting of this fund has its own interesting story: Not too long ago, Judge Robert Probst was serving on the board of directors of the CFNC. He attended one of his high school class reunions and began talking with Alfred Gutstein and they began catching up on old news. Upon chatting with Alfred at the reunion, Judge Probst shared that he was volunteering for the NCCF and was a board member. Judge Probst also told Alfred about the vast number of scholarships held at the foundation and that they were administered by the foundation. Alfred commented that he always wanted to do something to honor his parents and thought perhaps a named scholarship fund may be just the answer.

Judge Probst set up a luncheon with the Gutstein’s and the executive director of NCCF. It was at this meeting that the process for setting up the scholarship began. The executive director was also able to track down some of the original writings of Dr. Gutstein that Alfred did not have. Once these were delivered, Mr. Gutstein was very pleased with the foundation, and appreciated Judge Probst for his recommendation to start a named scholarship fund to honor his parents. After Alfred’s death Joyce created a scholarship at the Steuben County Community Foundation in his memory. Even in his later years, Mr. Alfred Gutstein was still working and held an office as an attorney in Angola.