Stuart F. Kutsche Sr. age 94 of Grand Rapids passed away peacefully on March 2, 2016. He will be remembered by his wife of 59 years, Ruth Kutsche, children Stuart Kutsche Jr., Mary (David) Torrey, Wendell Kutsche, Dr. David (Mary) Kutsche, Carolyn (Douglas) Rubingh, William (Patti) Kutsche, 14 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren (2 more expected), brother R. Paul Kutsche, sister in law Joyce Kutsche and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, first wife Claudia, brothers Blake and Robert, son Ben and grandson Matthew. Stuart was born to Rudolph and Ethel Kutsche October 22, 1921 in Charlotte, MI. The family moved to Grand Rapids in 1923 where he attended Congress elementary graduating from Ottawa Hills High School in 1938. Stuart attended Georgia Military College one year, graduating from Georgia Tech College in 1943 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. During WW2 he worked for Douglas Aircraft Co. in Des Plaines IL and later in Santa Monica, CA, returning to Grand Rapids in 1946. He worked for General Motors Diesel Equipment Division until his retirement as Assistant Chief Engineer in 1981. He holds several design patents A 1944 marriage to Claudia McCorkle of Thompson GA, produced three children. Claudia preceded Stuart in death on November 27, 1954 On May 19, 1956 Stuart married Ruth Bell of Burlington, VT. They added four children to the family. He was a lifelong member of First (Park) Congregational Church where he was in the first Boys Choir, Chancel Choir and served on many church boards. Stu was active in the Boy Scouts of America, Grand Rapids Engineering Club, and The Society of Automotive Engineers He was particularly proud of his 4 Eagle Scout Sons and 3 Eagle Scout Grandsons. He was elected to the BSA Order of the Arrow and participated in many community activities with the scouts. After retirement he and Ruth shared a passion for traveling, with trips to China, Australia, Siberia, Europe, The Holy Lands and several river cruises. Stuart had a love and skill for woodworking in his retirement years. His hand crafted wood baptism boxes are cherished by dozens of families whose babies were baptized in Park Church. Stu loved and was deeply loved by his family. He particularly enjoyed helping his children and grandchildren with projects around their homes and providing sage advice when needed. Stu was Husband, Dad, Grandpa and "Big Pop". You are greatly missed already. In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made to: First (Park) Congregational Church 10 East Park Place, Grand Rapids, 49503, Grand Rapids Community Foundation (Matthew Kutsche Memorial) 185 Oakes SW, GR, 49503 or Faith Hospice 2100 Raybrook St. SE, GR, 49546, The family wishes to thank the incredible caring staff at Clark Retirement Community, Jen H. with Faith Hospice and Dr. Greg Hazle, MD. Visitation is Sunday March 6, 2-4 & 6-8 at Ofield Funeral Home 4500 Kalamazoo Ave. GR. A service to Celebrate Stu's life will be held at First (Park) Congregational Church UCC on Monday March 7, 2016 at 1:30 PM. The Rev. Todd A. Petty officiating.



Service Information

Visitation
When: Sunday, March 6, 2016 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Location:
Address: 4500 Kalamazoo AveKentwood,MI 49508

Second Visitation
When: Sunday, March 6, 2016 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Location:
Address: 4500 Kalamazoo AveKentwood,MI 49508

Service
When: Monday, March 7, 2016 1:30pm
Location:
Address: 4500 Kalamazoo AveKentwood,MI 49508