Bernard 'Bernie' Kutz

Bernard J. "Bernie" Kutz, 89 years of Columbia, IL, passed away on November 14, 2022 at Missouri Baptist Hospital, St. Louis, MO. He was born July 27, 1933, in St. Louis, MO. He was the son of the late Bernard and Clara, nee Binz, Kutz. He is married to Geralyn, nee Frierdich, Kutz, who survives him. They were married on November 15, 2003, in Columbia, IL. Also surviving are his children, William (Linda) Kutz, Laurie (Marilyn) Kutz, Jeanne (Steve) Epley, Maryann Lochirco, Katie Stumpf, Kristin (Manny Gusman) Straub, and Laura (Mitch) Straub-Buckley; grandchildren, Brandon, Linda (Ernie) Brooks, Lauren, Alex, Ben, Emily, Hailey, Kayla, and Adrian; sister, Betty Hinkamp; daughter-in-law, Gloria Kettmann, along with brothers and sisters-in-law; nieces, nephews and friends. He was looking forward to the arrival of his first great-granddaughter in December. He was also preceded in death by his first wife, Barbara, nee Major, Kutz; son, Bernard W. Kutz; brother, Joe (Dolly) Kutz; sister, Mary (Joe) Vacarinno; and brother-in-law, Cletus Hinkamp. Bernie had retired as a pipe fitter from Ameren Missouri after some 33 years of service, and after retirement, he had also worked at Grant's Farm for 22 years. He was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Columbia, IL, and American Legion Post 581 (Legion services 7:00 pm Tuesday evening at the funeral home). Bernie had served in the U.S. Army and was a veteran of the Korean Conflict. His hobbies included woodworking, watching the St. Louis Cardinals baseball and Blues hockey with his beloved dog, Bailey, and working in the yard. He dearly loved his family and spending time with them. Bernie was a 'people' person and wore a big warm smile wherever he went. Visitation will be Tuesday, November 22, 2022, 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm, at Leesman Funeral Home, Columbia, IL, and Wednesday, November 23, 2022, 10:00 am - 10:45 am, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Columbia, IL. Funeral mass will follow visitation at 11:00 am, at church, with Fr. Carl Scherrer officiating. Interment will follow in the Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, MO. In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions be directed to: Greater St. Louis Honor Flight.

Bernard 'Bernie' Kutz

July 27, 1933 - November 14, 2022