Dr. Gottwald grew up in Harwood and is a 1973 graduate of Gonzales High School. He has Bachelor of Science degrees in Animal Science and Veterinary Science and received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Texas A&M University in 1980. Dr. Gottwald was a partner at Gonzales Animal Clinic for three years prior to opening Guadalupe Valley Veterinary Clinic.
Dr. Gottwald has served as president of the Gonzales Chamber of Commerce, Gonzales Noon Lions Club, Gonzales County Camera Club, Gonzales County A&M Club, and the Gonzales Area Development Corporation. He has also served as president of the Gonzales Learning and Career Center board and secretary of the Gonzales Area Development Corporation board. He is a member of the AVMA, TVMA, and Golden Crescent VMA. He is married to Sue and has 3 sons Ross, James, and Steven and 5 granddaughters and 1 grandson. They attend the First United Methodist Church in Gonzales.