Patrick K. Kutzer

Patrick Kermit Kutzer, age 51, of Hobart, passed away unexpectedly on September 10, 2021 in a worksite construction accident. Patrick was a resident of Hobart since 1975. He was the loving and dependable father of two daughters, Adele and Mackenzie, and the eldest of three, only son and best buddy to his mom, Liz. He commuted to Illinois for nearly all of 30 years for his work as a Construction and Project Superintendent for Rausch Infrastructure and Rausch Construction. Patrick was born in East Chicago, Indiana on July 28th, 1970 at St. Catherine’s Hospital to Kermit Patrick and Elizabeth Ann (Puchalski) Kutzer and resided on the East Side of Chicago with his parents until age 5. Pat attended George Earl Elementary, Hobart Middle School, and Hobart High School, where he was a guard and noseguard of the Hobart Brickie Football team and a weightlifter in the 300 club. He graduated in 1988. Pat began the 5-year Carpenters Apprenticeship in 1989 and graduated with the Journeyman’s Certificate from the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America in 1994. He was a member of the Chicago and Northeast Illinois Carpenter’s Union, local 199 and most recently local 272. Pat was a Construction and Project Superintendent at Rausch Infrastructure for large municipal, Department of Transportation, and private construction projects all over the greater Chicagoland area, including the reconstruction of parts of the Dan Ryan expressway, many highway and bridges including railroad bridges from Chicago to St. Louis for the Amtrak rail project, historic preservation and reconstruction of bridges and parks, the reconstruction of the Lakeshore Drive seawall and East Harbor seawall, Hyde Park and University of Chicago streetscape, road, and viaduct reconstruction, and the Chicago Riverwalk and Veterans Memorial. When you walk along Lake Michigan from the museum campus to Navy Pier or down the Riverwalk along the Chicago River, you can think of Patrick’s hard work and dedication. He cared deeply about his crew members and was always grateful for their hard work. He had great respect for the tradesmen he worked alongside and those who mentored him through his career and he had an unmatched work ethic and pride in his work. Patrick was a master of his trade. As much at home on the job as he was at home. He dedicated his life to his family and his work. Sadly, he was taken too soon in a worksite accident. All of us in his world were shocked at the news but will remember his legacy, his gentle spirit and his love for all of us. Quiet but strong, gentle yet tough, Patrick Kutzer was a solid friend and family member upon whom everyone could depend. As a son he was his mom’s best buddy, an angel child, and his mother’s protector. While non-confrontational by nature, Pat was very loving, supportive and protective of the safety and honor of his sisters as they grew up and experienced the ups and downs of childhood. Pat spent many a weekend with his grandma Gene who taught him the importance of God and family, and tremendous respect for money and financial responsibility. He was very close with his aunts, spending summers at their homes and lake cottages, and his cousins, living together in Chicago, cruising the neighborhood and becoming a responsible young man at an early age. As a father he was a rock upon which his daughters could depend and call on for strength, constantly reminding them, “I’ve always got your back, I’m your number one fan.” As a grandfather to Leo, the mountain of a man became as gentle as a teddy bear. He was loved and respected by all. As a friend he was a reliable poker partner and confidant who loved spending free time with his buds. He was responsible and frugal, but exceedingly generous to others. Although he had never taken vacation time away from his work, he recently traveled to South America for his niece’s wedding with friends and family. This trip ignited his interest in travel and he was planning and looking forward to more adventures. He saw his daughter Mackenzie marry Josh this past summer and he was looking forward to walking his daughter Adele down the aisle to Walter next summer and watching his Grandson Leo grow. He was happy and enjoying his life with his wonderful girlfriend Harmony and her family. Pat was recently preceded in death by his father, Kermit P. Kutzer who passed away in 2018; his grandparents Genevieve (Pawlowski) Puchalski Kasprzyk Antczak, Walter Antczak, Raymond and Ellen (Jenkins) Kutzer; Uncle Bill Puchalski, Aunt Laura Kasprzyk, Uncle Clem Verstraete, and Aunt Julie (Kutzer) Tucker. He is survived by his Mother, Elizabeth Ann (Puchalski) Kutzer, his sister Jamie Kutzer (Jon Wente) of Valparaiso, his sister Breann Kutzer (Martin) McManus of Mishawaka, his daughter Adele Kutzer (Walter Osorio) of South Bend, his daughter Mackenzie (Josh) Gaines of Rochester, and his grandson Leonardo Osorio of South Bend. His beloved extended family includes Aunt Mary Jo Verstraete, Godmother Aunt Patti (Rick) Vittetoe, Aunt Linda Kasprzyk, Aunt Nancy and Uncle Jerry VanSanten and Uncle Richard Tucker. Cousins Walter, Therese, and John Puchalski, Sarah and Katie Vittetoe, Raymond Bollinger, Victoria and Tammy Tucker. Nieces and nephews, Samantha, Jackson, Bianca, Elizabeth, William, and Macklin. And dear friends Harmony, Mariana, Jasmin, Jose, Butch Westerlund, Jerry Spero, Jimmy Proctor, Rick Mudry and his dear friends at the Hobart Eagles. Pat will be cremated and his mortal remains will be treasured and maintained by his mother and daughters. Services will be conducted by Burns Funeral Home of Hobart but held outdoors under the covered shelter at Hillman Park, 2557 W. Old Ridge Road in Hobart, Indiana on Saturday, September 25, 2021 from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. with visitation at 12:00 p.m. and prayer service at 1:00 p.m. Family and Friends are welcome to stay afterward to share photos, memories and celebrate Patrick’s life. Please wear a mask if you are unvaccinated or you would like to greet the family. The family requests that you please share any fond memories, tributes, songs, or photos below or on his Facebook page so that they can enjoy your interactions with their beloved Patrick, Son, Dad, Brother, Nephew, Uncle, and Friend. www.burnsfuneral.com

Patrick K. Kutzer

July 28, 1970 - September 10, 2021