Michael L. Kutz

Michael passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his loving children on Tuesday, January 16, 2018 at the age of 74. He was born in Milwaukee, WI and spent his childhood in both Milwaukee and Wausau before graduating from Greendale High School in 1961. Mike studied engineering at MSOE for about 2 years before leaving school to marry his sweetheart, Marolyn Moffatt where they raised a family together in Greenfield, WI.

Mike pursued many different careers including; owning and driving a dump truck; managing an Enco service station and repair shop; Snap-on tool dealership; and employment with some of Milwaukee’s biggest industrial and equipment manufacturers including George J. Meyer, Allis-Chalmers, Bucyrus-Erie test center where he worked on large crane equipment doing strain gauge stress testing, JI Case and General Electric where he specialized in testing and sound and vibration controls of x-ray tube equipment.

In addition to his employment he used his mechanical and technical skills to assist family and friends by tinkering with and fixing things with minimal new parts or costs. His skills at repairing and maintaining cars were extremely valuable. Mike enjoyed owning and fixing up a 1986 BMW 325 ES he bought second-hand. He enjoyed his time as an engineering and pit crew member of ANSCO racing at Hales Corners Speedway. Mike had a National Geographic Magazine collection that spanned almost 100 years. Mike and his family enjoyed many road trips and adventures together, traveling across the country frequently visiting National Parks and historical sites. A highlight was his trip in 1975 to drive the Alaska highway in Ford station wagon with his father. In retirement Mike was a daily visitor to Panera Bread in Greenfield where he enjoyed the fellowship of and bantering with many friends.

At the age of 9 years old Mike was unexpectedly stricken with Type 1 Diabetes. From that time on managing and living with diabetes became a necessary element of his life. Despite this Mike enjoyed a full and active life pursuing many careers and hobbies and spending time with family and friends. Mike was a wonderful father and provider to his family. He enhanced the lives of all of those he touched. Mike will be remembered for his loving kindness, compassion, beautiful blue eyes and warm smile.

Mike is survived by: daughter, Jill Schultz of Wales, WI; son, Dan (Whitney) Kutz of Austin, TX; grandchildren; Jacob (Tammy) Schultz of Ashland, WI; Jessica Schultz of Bayfield, WI; Ryan and Sarah Kutz of Austin, TX. Also survived by sister, Jane (Dave)Staats of Boise, ID; lifetime friend Paul Anspach of Franklin, WI along with many friends and relatives. Mike is preceded in death by his parents Ludwig and Mildred Kutz and sister Molly Lu Newby.

The family wishes to thank the amazing staff and caregivers at Azura Memory Care in Oconomowoc for providing a loving home to our father; for surrounding him with a respectful, meaningful and loving community.

A memorial visitation and celebration of life will take place on his birthday; Monday, January 22, 2018 at Heritage Funeral Home, 4800 S. 84th St., Greenfield, WI from 9:00 am until time of memorial service at 11:00 am.

Should you wish to do so, memorials may be made in Mike’s name to JDRF or PBS Foundation.

JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation)
https://www2.jdrf.org/site/Donation2?idb=1139454678&df_id=2374&mfc_pref=T&2374.donation=form1

PBS (Public Broadcast Service Foundation)
http://www.pbs.org/foundation/ways-to-give/pbs-donation-form/

Final resting place and entombment at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Milwaukee, WI.