It is hard for us to say that John passed on January 18th fighting the fight to have his second transplant graft in time to overcome the infections that were invading his body due to having no white blood cells to help in that battle.  The infections eventually won. 

Below is John's obituary that I thought all would like to see. John touched so many peoples lives that it is humbling to learn how much John impacted so many of you in his short 25 years. 

At the bottom are two of John's foundations he would have wished to support and if you feel you would like to support please do so in John's name.  It means so much to us as we grasp at the enormity of missing him. 

You can post messages about John on the funeral home website: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/homewood-al/john-gautsch-10011755#remembering  />
Bob and Beth Gautsch

John Henry Gautsch

John Henry Gautsch was born in Connecticut at Yale New Haven Hospital on November 1, 1995. He

entered this world the same way he left; with a smile on his face, strength and warmth in his heart, and

giving light and hope to all those around him.

The water called to John early; he started competitive swimming around age 12 and evolved into a

swim coach for the Clemson Aquatic Team during his college years. He also had a love for nature that

was spurred by the many outings he made as a Boy Scout, where he worked his way through the ranks

to Eagle Scout and became a Brotherhood member of the Order of the Arrow. As an adult, he

continued to enjoy the outdoors as an adult through hiking, mountain biking, and other sports. John had

a deep passion for college and professional football and basketball. He was always listening to music

and there wasn’t a genre he didn’t like.

John spent his life in the service of others. As a teen, John was a volunteer at camps for children with

physical, intellectual, and developmental disabilities. During college, John mentored youth swimmers as

a swim coach and volunteered at camps for disabled veterans. After graduating from Clemson

University with a degree in Recreational Therapy, he was employed as a Recreation Specialist at

Lakeshore Foundation in Birmingham, Alabama. At Lakeshore, he was a swim coach and Head Power

Soccer coach. He also coordinated wheelchair basketball and rugby tournaments and conducted

training activities. Whether in the pool, on the playing field or trail, in the classroom or kitchen, John

made others happy, energized, and empowered them to live their best possible lives.

Oftentimes, those who John coached, mentored, instructed, and worked with realized potential even

they did not know they had. He was able to see abilities in people and help them develop those abilities

to their fullest. He always listened with compassion and with intent to aid them in their journey. John

had a life well lived, full of love and learning, both inward and out.

John is survived by his father Bob, mother Beth, and older brother William as well as a host of extended

family and friends. John will be missed by all who knew him. His light and spirit will shine on forever.

A memorial gathering will be held at a future date. The family is asking that memorial contributions to

honor John be made to either the Lakeshore Foundation (https://www.lakeshore.org/give/ or contact

Leon Ryan leonr@lakeshore.org) or to the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Foundation;

Online Donations: (https://support.teamusa.org/IMO)

Gifts by Mail:

United States Olympic and Paralympic Foundation

Attn: USOPC Development

1 Olympic Plaza

Colorado Springs, CO. 80909