John Guthart, 76, of Charles City, passed away Monday, January 19, 2026, with his wife and daughter by his side.
A memorial service for John Guthart will be held at 3:00 pm Monday, January 26, 2026, at Hauser Weishaar Funeral Home in Charles City with Erik Hoefer officiating.
A gathering of family and friends will be held from 1:00 pm until the start of the service at the funeral home on Monday.
John Robert Guthart, the son of Jack and Shirley (Ellefson) Guthart was born July 17, 1949, in Mason City, Iowa. John attended Charles City High School and graduated in 1967. He earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Chicago, IL at Chicago Academy of Fine Arts. Following this accomplishment, John moved to Alpine, Wyoming to start an art gallery in the Alpine Junction with a group of young entrepreneurs and this is where he met the love of his life, Chris. Together they managed the Swan Bar and their love continued to grow. Many memories were made and remembered over the years such as meeting Jack Nicolson, Gene Hackman, and Clint Eastwood. John was a “stand in” in the movie “Any Which Way But Loose.”
John and Chris were united in marriage in 1982 in Jackson Hole, Wyoming and then moved to Charles City, Iowa in 1983 with their two young daughters, Tiffany and Natalie to manage the Charles City Country Club. After managing the country club, John and Chris opened St. Charles Inn Restaurant and Lounge. After the restaurant closed, John began his career at Guthart Gallery and Framing continuing his love for art. John and Chris both had a passion for gourmet cooking and entertaining and together they started “Guthart Catering” creating many new memories with old and new friends in Charles City for several years including preparing the NIACC Scholarship dinners for 25 years and they were recognized September 13, 2018, for their dedicated service. John was passionate with his art and taught art classes at Comprehensive Systems and the Charles City Arts Center for the residents. He was instrumental in getting the elevator at the Charles City Arts Center to accommodate the Comp Systems residents to attend the classes. John was known in the community for his dedication to volunteering numerous hours.
Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Chris; daughter, Natalie Salinas (Eric Parcher) of Charles City; grandchildren, Austin Turpen of Seattle, WA; Sarah Kate Turpen, Colorado Springs, CO; Dylan Salinas, Ankeny, IA; and Evan Salinas, Cedar Falls, IA; siblings, Vicky (Mark) Holler, Estes Park, CO; and Dan Guthart, Charles City, IA; sibling in laws; Vern (Pam) Sorensen, Red Bluff, CA; and Patty Mobley, Wyoming; along with several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who will miss him dearly.
He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter, Tiffany, along with several family members and close friends.
John was a member of the 19th Amendment Society, Charles City Arts Center, Charles City Elks Club, and Floyd County Historical Society and Museum. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the associations above or of your choice.
John will be missed for his contagious smile, giving heart and his love for his family, especially his 3 girls who he “loved with his whole heart” and told Chris and Natalie daily.
Hauser Weishaar Funeral Home, (641) 228-2323, 1205 South Main Street, Charles City, Iowa 50616 is in charge of local arrangements. Online condolences may be left on the Tribute Wall for the family at www.hauserfh.com.
