Walter Kutscher Jr.

Walter Rudolf Kutscher Jr., 82, of Jackson went to be with Jesus Tuesday, March 19, 2024. He passed away at the Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau, where he resided for the past few years.

The first-born child of Walter R. Sr. and Agatha Schlimpert Kutscher was born at home in Seelitz in Perry County on March 8, 1942. He was baptized March 22, 1942, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Altenburg. The family moved to Cape Girardeau in 1952 for his father’s work. He was confirmed into the Lutheran faith on March 25, 1956, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Cape Girardeau.

Walter graduated from Trinity Lutheran Grade School and was a paperboy for the Southeast Missourian. He was a 1960 graduate of College High School and an accounting graduate of Office Training School in Cape Girardeau.

He was inducted June 6, 1964, into the U.S. Army, did basic training at Fort Leonard Wood and was honorably discharged March 16, 1966, at Fort Wainwright in Fairbanks, Alaska.

After returning to Southeast Missouri, Walter and Carol Aufdenberg were married on Sept. 7, 1968, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Jackson, where they were faithful and active members for the remainder of their lives.

At St. Paul, Walter served many years as an elder, a radio broadcaster for services and on the Lutheran Home Board of Directors. He belonged to the Voters Assembly, Men’s Club, Couples Club, Senior Servants and Adult Bible Class. He enjoyed square-dancing, playing cards, dartball, tinkering with anything around the house, camping, gardening and tending grapes and blackberries for wine.

He was always there to help a friend or neighbor with anything asked of him. His love for Jesus shone from him everywhere he went.

Walter was employed by Burton Gerhardt Construction, McDonnell-Douglas, R.B. Potashnick, Manpower at Procter & Gamble and, after retirement, New McKendree United Methodist Church.

Survivors include two sons, Timothy Walter (Angela Thompson) Kutscher of Saline, Michigan, and Andrew William Kutscher of Jackson; two grandchildren, Vivian and Maximus Kutscher of Saline; two sisters, Annette (Frank) Roth of Scott City and Judy (Richard) Aufdenberg of Jackson; two sisters-in-law, Mary (Ralph) Walther of Cape Girardeau and Carla (the late David) Aufdenberg of Jackson; a brother-in-law, Melvin (the late Loretta) Uelsmann of Jackson; and many nieces and nephews.

Walter was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Carol Kutscher, on Jan. 15, 2024; parents, Walter R. Sr. and Agatha Kutscher; Carol’s parents, William A.H. and Ruby Fluegge Aufdenberg; and in-laws, Loustell and Joe Ludwig, Elfrieda and L.R. Williams, Loretta Uelsmann and David Aufdenberg.

Visitation will be from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Monday, March 25, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Jackson.

Funeral will follow, with the Rev. Joshua Schmidt officiating. Interment, with full military honors, will be in Russell Heights Cemetery in Jackson.

The family suggests contributions be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church or St. Paul Lutheran School.

McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.