Kermit Patrick Kutzer

Kermit Patrick Kutzer, age 70, of Hobart, passed away Saturday, October 28, 2017. He was born in Evergreen Park, Illinois on September 7, 1948 to Raymond and Ellen (nee Jenkins) Kutzer. He grew up on the South East side of Chicago where he attended St. Francis deSales elementary and Mendel Catholic High School. After graduation he began college at the University of Illinois Chicago and Graduated with high honors from St. Joseph’s College with degrees in political science and psychology. In high school he began working at Youngstown – J&L – LTV – Arcelor Mittal Steel Company. He became a journeyman ironworker maintaining operations throughout the mill for 50 years from 1965-2015. He was actively involved in the United SteelWorkers of America Union, local 1011 where he tirelessly fought for the safety and rights of workers. Kermit was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles. He was a chess champion, he loved to read, listen to Motown music, spend time with his grandchildren and was a devoted Chicago Bears, Chicago White Sox, and Notre Dame fan. He was preceded in death by his parents, his mother-in-law Genevieve Antczak, his sister Julie Ann Tucker, brother Michael Raymond Kutzer, brother-in-law William Puchalski, and sister-in-law Laura Kasprzyk. He married his wife of 48 years, Elizabeth Ann (Betty Ann), nee Puchalski, in 1970. They had 3 children: Patrick Kutzer of Hobart, Jamie Kutzer (Jon Wente) of Valparaiso, and Breann Kutzer McManus (Martin McManus) of Mishawaka. Kermit was a loving and devoted grandfather to Adele Kutzer (Walter Osorio), Samantha McManus Rogers (Alex Rogers), Jackson McManus, Bianca McManus (Víctor Oscar Cobs Muñoz), Mackenzie Kutzer (Josh Gaines), Elizabeth McManus, William McManus, Lucía Roncalés Samanes, Andrea Navasa del Rio and great grandson Leonardo Osorio. Sisters-in-law, Mary Jo Verstraete, Patricia Vittetoe (Rick), Linda Kasprzyk, brother-in-law, Richard Tucker. Godchildren, Johnny Puchalski, Tammy Dodds, Kelly Sheridan, and Sarah Vittetoe; loving nieces and nephews. A Prayer service for Kermit will be held Saturday, November 10, 2018, at 12:00 p.m. at Burns Funeral Home, 701 East 7th Street Hobart. Friends are invited to visit with his family from 10:00 a.m., until the time of service. www.burnsfuneral.com.

Kermit Patrick Kutzer

September 7, 1948 - October 27, 2018