The Hightower Family

On Monday, September 11th, Gunther was admitted to St. Luke’s Hospital with a current history of breathing difficulties. The doctors immediately started him on oxygen and put him through testing to find the cause. They were unsuccessful despite all their efforts. Gunther’s state quickly declined over that first weekend and needed to be sedated for an MRI.

They continued to run more tests after finding 3 small lesions on his brain. They discovered a fungus growing in his lungs in which they took a biopsy. They then diagnosed him with severe aspergillosis. Gunther’s body later slipped into a coma, becoming unresponsive.

There is no known cause of where this came from or how it spread so quickly. The proposed treatment for Gunther is not an option for him given how progressive his condition has become. In keeping with Gunther’s wishes, his wife Nicole is faced with making an extremely difficult decision but one that she knows is serving God, Gunther and her family.

Gunther will be leaving behind a wife who has faithfully stood by his side for 26 years and two children; Ethan 12 years old and Aaron 9 years old. Through Gunther’s hospital stay including up into today Nicole has tried to maintain everything from working, staying with Gunther, raising the boys and being their supportive role in coping with the devastation of their fathers future.

Nicole has a heart of gold and has helped so many others in every facet of her life. She believes God has a greater plan than she can comprehend but she does need help. Any donations would help Nicole greatly during this tragic time. She will be accumulating medical bills, Gunther’s funeral cost and loss of income.

This is a very difficult time for the Hightower family. Nicole sincerely appreciates all of the prayers and offers already made. Please continue to pray for them as she thoughtfully and faithfully honors her husband to his last days.

Matthew 11:28

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

Checks can be mailed to Nicole’s church

St. Jacobi Lutheran Church

Attn: Nicole Hightower

8605 W. Forest Home Ave.

Greenfield, WI 53228