Obituary of Erwin Kutschke

It is with great sadness that the family of Erwin Kutschke announces his passing on Monday, November 26, 2018, at the age of 82 years.  He was born July 5 1936 in Kreutzfeld, East Prussia, to Albert Kutschke and Anna Arendt Kutschke. He and his surviving family fled East Prussia and emigrated to West Germany after the end of WWII.  He immigrated to the United States after his sister Anna arrived and then helped bring over his brother Erich, both of whom he is now reunited with in heaven.

 

Erwin will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 58 years, Anita and his children, Tom, Julie (Matt) Kabelitz, Joanne (Bob) Copas, Ed (Sue), Frank (Alison), Liz (Andy) Armstrong.   He was the proud grandfather to his thirteen grandchildren, Liz, Leah, David, Sloan, Tommy, Jack, Matthew, Megan, Hannah, Scott, Carly, Mark and Craig.  Erwin will also be fondly remembered by his siblings Robert (Gretchen), Clemens (Karin), and Doris (Eberhardt) Preiss and their families in Germany, by his former daughter in law Kym, and by his sister in law Annelis.  Erwin cherished his many loving nieces, nephews, grand nieces, and grand nephews and the “kind of like family”  he loved to surround himself with.

 

Erwin was a survivor, a sibling, a husband, a father, a godfather, a grandfather, an uncle, a friend, a serviceman, a soccer player, a bowler, a painter, a scout leader, an usher, a farmer, a lover of all animals, a speaker of truth, and many things to many people. He loved fiercely and lived a life balanced with hard work and joy.  We will all miss him and keep our many memories of his smile and hugs forever.  

 

The family would like to thank the staff at Rolling Hills Place and Manor for all of their care and love over the past few years.  Only because of their hard work and dedication, Erwin and Anita were able to be together. They continue to care for Anita as we all are missing him.  

 

A funeral mass will be held on Friday, 12/7/18 at 10:30 am at St. Martha’s Catholic Church on 8523 Georgiana Avenue in Morton Grove, IL.  The family will be available to greet guests starting at 9 am in the Pine Room at the church.  An open house type celebration that Erwin would enjoy (informal, good food, strong drink and great people) will follow from 11:30 am - 1:30 pm at Moretti’s on 6415 Dempster Street in Morton Grove, IL.   All are welcome to participate in any and all activities for however long you can.    

 

Please in lieu of flowers, those who so desire may consider making memorial donations to:  

 

Erwin Kutschke Memorial  https://www.gofundme.com/erwin-kutschke-memorial

A fund to place a permanent memorial for Erwin and Anita in the Waukegan Park District development of their former farm property at 14845 Yorkhouse, Wadsworth. 

or

Catholic Kolping Society 

5826 N. Elston Ave.

Chicago, IL 60646  kolpingchicago.org

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