Steven Gulbrandsen Obituary

Just a few weeks ago I learned of Stevie's death. It was a great shock. Though I hadn't had any contact with him since 1974, I always thought of him and hoped he was doing well. He was very dear to me and he gave me a lot. He was a unique man, with special gifts. I will always love him.

It was the best of times when he would be up there playing somewhere, anywhere. Just to sit in and play an evening with him was always an experience. His favorite line & thing to do when we opened was to say to the crowd, “Here’s a new one I just wrote back home in Chicago”. Then he would turn to me and say, “You’ll figure it out”. And the the song would begin...

I was just thinkin' of Steve Bangin' BOOGIE-WOOGIE on the Piano in DOWNERS GROVE SOUTH HIGH MUSIC HALL..Late '69-'70's! One of Our First True HIPPIES! I will Remember You for All Time, Steve! RIGHT-ON, DADDY! SEEN YA LATER! YEEEEEEEEE HAWWWWWWWW! LOVE FOREVER, ray youngman

Bye Gutz. Thanks for the great show.

My heartfelt sympathies and prayers go out to Steve's family and friends at this difficult time. I knew Stevie G since the mid-70s on through all his wonderful bands. A few times I had the chance to sit in with him and do occasional gigs and he always taught me something. His passing is shock and a sorrow but I hope you carry many wonderful memories of him as I do. Rest easy, Gutz.
"Cuz it's only just a road/come to take me home"
Jeffrey Morgan

I have only known Steve for a short time, but I will never forget him. My first day at Menards He cruised by on the trike(floor cleaner) and cracked a joke. I instantly knew he would be a great guy to get to know. Every time I talked to him, he shared another great story with me. He may have been taken from us too soon, but He lived life the way it was meant to be lived... to the fullest. Every time I got to talk with him I walked away with a smile on my face. I wish I had more time to get to know him, but I'm greatful for the time I was able to spend with him. If you need anything in this time of grief, let me know and Steve's Menards friends will help you any way we can.

Jennifer I am so sorry for your loss. I read your posts and his obit and he sounded like a wonderful man. I'm here if you need me.

I sang with Gutz way back in the Longshot days in Iowa City, and am sorry to hear of his passing. He had a great gusto for living.

Steve was a person who had a great big heart. He brought a lot of laughter and happiness. He will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

My thoughts and prayers go out to Steve's family. I had the pleasure of working with Steve at Menards, he always had a smile on his face and made sure everyone around him did as well. Even on my darkest day he was able to make it brighter. He will be deeply missed. Rest in Peace Steve.

Stevie will be missed very much. But he is in such great company! Not only with our Lord, Jesus, but wth
his grandparents, Doug, cousin, uncles, aunts, and knowing all in perfect love. Diane

I was a devoted fan of Sundance, Longshot and the Cody Jarrett band and admired Stevie G's music and stage presence for many years. In the late 1980s I had the rare experience of being able to play in a band with one of my musical heroes. Though the Heptiles were short lived as a band, the things I learned from Gutz will last a lifetime. He was a performer to his very core.

"He didn't want to lose her, but he had to go."

Play pretty my brother.

db