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RIVER HILLS - 78-year-old Katherine 'Kitty' Gute was losing her battle with Alzheimer's. Her husband, Daniel, was a 79-year-old retired urologist who feared living alone in a nursing home. So together, they took their own lives.

The deaths were no surprise to cardiologist Dr. Bruce Wilson, a long-time family friend and supporter. 

"He discussed with me the fact that he was contemplating this, but I had nothing to do with the planning," Wilson told TODAY'S TMJ4 reporter Tom Murray. "I think what Dr. and Mrs. Gute would like for us to ponder in their recent action is, does it have to be that way? Do we have to always try to prolong life at any cost?"

The Gutes were found by their daughter in their garage. They were sitting in a car. It appears they suffocated or inhaled a lethal amount of helium gas, according to a medical examiner's report.

For at least a decade, Dr. Gute researched suicide and ending life on his own terms. Investigators found a DVD called 'Final Exit' in their home and a book called 'To Die Well' by Sidney Wanzer, a leader in the so-called "death with dignity" movement.

The Gutes apparently told no one when their final wish would be carried out, but knew it would be controversial and make many uncomfortable. They left their friend, Dr. Wilson, to explain.

"We've done so well technologically, we can keep anybody for a very long time," Wilson said. "But the question now is, what's the quality of life?"

A gathering and celebration of the Gutes' lives is scheduled on August 7, the same weekend their family planned to celebrate Dr. Gute's 80th birthday.