Howard J Gautreau

Howard J. Gautreau, age 92, a native of Gonzales, LA, passed peacefully on March 20, 2025. Howard graduated from Gonzales High School in 1951. He married his wife of 72 years, Marie O. Guedry on December 30, 1952. He served in the Army from 1954 to 1956. In 1958, he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from LSU. He retired from the State Department of Employment Security as a Management Analyst in 1986.

He and Marie were members of St. Theresa of Avila and later St. Mark's after it was established. Howard was a long standing member of the choir in both churches, while Marie served as a member of the Alter Society. He was also a member of the Community Singers, whose group performed at various community functions and nursing homes. Singing and playing his guitar at home was a favorite hobby. Howard loved being active. He ran, walked, and took immaculate care of their yard for as long as he possibly could. He dedicated his life to his family, his friends, his church, and his community, helping all those who needed a hand.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Alcide and Agnes Babin Gautreau; his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Bernadette Babin Guedry and Anyaud Guedry; his brothers, Dayton, Feltus, Layton, and Donald; his sisters, Lois Templet, Leola Decoteau, and Doris Decoteau; brothers-in-laws, Lucien Templet, Allen Decoteau, Herman Decoteau, and Sonny Laffitte; sister-in-laws, Sylvia Cambre Gautreau, Nettie Lambert Gautreau, and Ola Guedry Laffitte; and an honary daughter and son-in-law, Sondra Michael Dugas and Charles Dugas.

He is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Bernard and Betty Villar Gautreau; his loving wife, Marie O. Guedry Gautreau; his children, Thomas Gautreau and his wife, Trisha Ontko Gautreau, Sondra Gautreau Glaze, Paulette Gautreau, and an honorary daughter and son-in-law, Ruth Michael Wade and Chris Wade; 6 grandchildren, Sarah Gautreau Losh and her husband, Phillip Losh, Brian Gautreau and his wife, Nancy Malone Gautreau, Brandon Gautreau, Brice Gautreau, Nancy Wade, Jonathan Wade and his wife Deanna Morgan Wade; 11 great grandchildren, Loshes – Amelia, Logan, Wyatt, Rachael, and Violet, Gautreaus – Rome, Marigny, Everett, and June, Norwoods (and of the Wades) - Jack and Eli; and finally, numerous nieces, nephews, grand, great and great great nieces and nephews and cousins!

God has called His faithful servant home. Rest in Peace, Howard John Gautreau. We love you very much.

Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at St. Mark Catholic Church, 42021 Hwy 621, Gonzales, LA 70737. Visitation will take place at the church from 11:00 A.M to 12:00 noon, followed by a Funeral Mass. Burial is at Holy Rosary Catholic Church graveyard, 44450 Hwy 429, St. Amant, LA.

A meal will be served back at St. Mark’s Activity Center after the burial. All are invited.