John Paul Gumbert died suddenly and unexpectedly on September 7, 2023.

John was born on June 16, 1971, in Los Angeles County and spent his early years in Hermosa Beach. In 1983, John moved to Oakdale to live with his mother, Mickey Burtschi, and stepfather, Rudi Burtschi. He never looked back.

John attended Oakdale High School and graduated as part of the class of 1990. He was awarded ‘Lineman of the Year’ on the Varsity football team and served as Team Captain on the wrestling team. John then went on to attend Modesto Junior College, where he played football and wrestled before going on to attend California Polytechnic, San Luis Obispo.

After college, he worked at Burtschi Transport before joining Amtrak and being employed there for 18-plus years. It was on his way to his job at Amtrak that John passed away.

John loved life, family, and people. He was happiest when outdoors with those he loved, enjoying activities like camping, kayaking, and fishing. He also had a deep affection for the ocean, enjoying surfing and scuba diving in Maui with his family.

John is preceded in death by his mother, Mickey Burtschi, and his little brother, Rudi Burtschi Jr. He is survived by his stepfather, Rudi Burtschi; his brother, Evan Foley; Ruth Cutler, his grandmother; his nephew and niece, Logan and Lilli Burtschi; his aunts Vickie Maksim, Candy Sevo, Heidi Sunseri; and uncles Fred and Hans Burtschi, as well as many adoring, loving cousins.

John’s caring, fun-loving, and accepting nature made him a pivotal connector across all branches and generations of his personal, precious family. It was an integral part of who John was. His heart, laughter, innate kindness, and mischievous personality will be deeply missed by all, always.

We welcome all who knew and loved John Gumbert to celebrate his life with us on Saturday, October 21, at the Oakdale Rodeo Grounds at 12 pm.

The Oakdale (Calif.) Leader

The Riverbank (Calif.) News

Oct. 11, 2023