Traverse City, Michigan
TRAVERSE CITY — John Alan Kutscher, 49, a resident of Traverse City for several years, died at Munson Hospice House on Sunday, May 10, after fighting illness for over a year.
John was born in Royal Oak and grew in Birmingham, attending Seaholm High School. He graduated from Michigan State University with a bachelor's degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management. He was first employed by Disney World in Orlando, Fla. He spent the majority of his career with the Ritz-Carlton in Chicago, Palm Springs, Hawaii and San Francisco. After moving to Traverse City, John worked at Hanna Bistro and adapted easily to the northern Michigan lifestyle.
John will be remembered as a very special, giving person, who wanted nothing more than to spend time with friends and family, play at the lake with his dogs, and enjoy good food and drink. His passion for food was contagious and he easily passed this on to others. His customers became his friends, and his friends became his family. He loved us all.
John is survived by his mother, Louise Kutscher of Rochester; his two sisters, Sue DelPup of Troy and Karen Simpson of Bellaire; and four nephews.
A gathering for friends and family will be held Saturday, May 26, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 9831 Crescent Shores Rd.
Please send donations in John's memory to Munson Hospice and Palliative Care, 1105 Sixth St., Traverse City, MI 49684.
This obituary was originally published in the Record-Eagle.
I think of John often over these many years. Wishing he had been able to survive and share his wonderful sense of humor. I still share many funny moments with friends that he and I shared together. Hugs to all Ray
Ray o
May 07, 2025
I want the family to know that John was and is remembered and still loved. I worked with him in Dallas and kept in touch with him as he moved about from California to Hawaii back to California and then to Traverse City. We planned about our futures. We laughed and giggled together. I still tell friends about him and I still miss him. As I am sure you do too. He will be in my heart forever. I am a better man for having him in my life even for a brief moment.
Ray Coursey
May 07, 2023 | Dallas, TX | Friend
I wanted to let you know that I think of John frequently. I was able to visit him in Traverse City in the about 2004 - 2005. We had worked together at the Crescent Court hotel and became close friends - I visited him also in Laguna beach in the 90's and also in San Francisco. He was there for me when my partners died and I wish I could have known he was sick as I would have come to see him. He was truly a great friend that I will always remember and treasure.
Ray Coursey
May 07, 2020 | Dallas, TX | Friend
I wanted to let the family know that I have thought of John often over these last 10 years. I can still see his face and hear his laugh. He was a true friend and I miss him. My prayers are with his family.
Ray Coursey
May 07, 2019 | Dallas, TX | Friend
John's death was a shock to all of us who knew him but lost touch... he helped my sister,Nancy,through difficult wks and months of chemo and was a dear friend to all.. he'll be remembered and thought of the rest of our lives...Knowing he's with God and at Peace, Joette Felice,NPR,Fl.
Joette Felice
May 22, 2009 | New Port Richey, FL
I worked with John at Boulevard IN San francisco were we
became friends we would laugh most of the night well
working on the edge of crazy .My sadness is so deep with
this loss. In the word of a great song if I had only known it
it was the last walk in the rain .I would keep you out till
sun came again We each have moments that change the
life we know to one we must live the loss of John will forever change my path I am glad to have known him
...
Hunter Douglas
May 22, 2009 | San Francisco, CA
I just found out about John last night. I worked with John at Boulevard in San Francisco and was contacted via another co-worker. We are all saddened by this news and wish we would have known he was ill to offer support to him. We would like his family and friends to know that we are including you in our thoughts and prayers in hopes of bringing you support during this difficult time.
Monachere falcon
May 20, 2009 | San Francisco, CA
We were so saddened to hear that John had been ill and passed away. We met John thru our son Paul and he was a part of our family. We shared many fun moments together and he will always be in our hearts & thoughts as a fun, loving & giving person. He has touched many and will be missed. Please accept our deepest sympathy. Vince & Lillian Grattarola
Vincent & Lillian Grattarola
May 18, 2009 | Bonita Springs, FL
I am so sad, I have been expecting this day to come. I last spoke to john nearly a year ago. He had been struggling with his illness and was trying to deal with life in the new reality. John and I have been friends for iver 20 years. We met in 1985 when he hired me to be a Captain at Beau Nash Restaurant in the new Cresent Hotel in Dallas. We stayed friends when he moved to San Francisco and he was there to support me when my first husband passed away. I visited him twice in San Fransico...
Ray Coursey
May 17, 2009 | Dallas, TX
