Hilario Montelongo Gutierrez

Saginaw, Michigan

Beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin and friend passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 28, 2023, at Covenant HealthCare – Cooper, with his family at his side; at the age of 68 years.

The son of the late Samuel and Sara (Montelongo) Gutierrez, Hilario was born on September 24, 1954, in Monterrey, Mexico. Hilario proudly earned his Associate’s Degree to become a paralegal from Great Lakes Junior College. A spiritual man, Hilario embraced shamanism, but learned to have a beautiful appreciation for other religions and the universal beliefs we all share as one. His little piece of heaven was being at one with nature, spending time in his garden and collecting rocks. “Pops”, as he was lovingly known throughout the community, was an eloquent speaker, friend to anyone and everyone, and a mentor to countless souls. He was a family focused man, teaching those he loved the importance to always give back. Hilario loved to travel throughout our beautiful state, but was truly in his element when he visited Aztec ruins. He will forever be remembered as the patriarch to a rather large tribe, for the love and dedication he had for family and friends, and for truly living a life filled with countless memories, stories, and adventures. Above all, Hilario cherished the time spent with his family and loved ones, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  

Left to cherish his memory is his former wife and friend: Cruz Samaniego; his daughters and sons: Hilario “Lalo” (Tennile “Toenail”) Gutierrez, Jose Gutierrez, Cruz (John “Butter”) Gutierrez-Blondin, Rogelio “Hujo” Gutierrez, Angelica (Nick “Best Dancer”) Naylor, Sonia (Caleb “Love”) Gutierrez-Huegel; his beloved girls: Nanna and Fury; grandchildren: Lisa (Andrew) Janowiak, Cruz (Jourdan) Bennett, Elena Gutierrez, Hilario Gutierrez, Emiliano Gutierrez, Asia Gutierrez, Gabreana Blondin, Isiah Blondin, Marius Blondin, Ayah Gutierrez, Nadia Gutierrez, PJ Gutierrez, Xavier Gutierrez, Connor Naylor, Pierce Naylor, Trenton Naylor, Dorian Huegel, Flora Huegel, Elliot Huegel, Evelyn Huegel; great-grandchildren: Railynn Janowiak, Jamisyn Janowiak; brothers and sisters: Maria (Pedro) Ortiz, Jose Gutierrez, Marcial Gutierrez, Sara (James) Robar, Elias (Shannon) Gutierrez; extended sisters: Vicki, Lynn, Jenny, Gail; and friend: Janet. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends. Besides his parents, Hilario was preceded in death by his brothers: Samuel Guiterrez, Martin Gutierrez.

Funeral Service will take place at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 4, 2023, at W. L. Case and Company, 4480 Mackinaw Road, Saginaw, Michigan 48603. Friends may visit the family from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service on Saturday at the funeral chapel. A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date in March, 2023. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to the wishes of the family, in c/o Cruz Gutierrez-Blondin.