Frederick Paul "Fred" Kutz

Frederick Paul Kutz-known lovingly as Fred or Freddie-joined his heavenly family on December 12th, 2025. Fred was born on September 2, 1928, in Wentworth, Missouri, to Rose and Anthony Kutz. He was the third of four children, growing up alongside his siblings Florence, LaVerne, and Jerome. From an early age, Fred learned the value of hard work and responsibility. His family moved to Springfield, Illinois, where they farmed potatoes, and during his teenage years Fred stepped into adulthood far too early when his father became ill and later passed away from tuberculosis. At just seventeen, Fred left school to help support his family-an act that foreshadowed a lifetime of selflessness and devotion to those he loved.

When his mother later moved to Springfield, Missouri, Fred was able to return to school and complete his senior year at Central High School. Not long after, fate stepped in at a skating party at Doling Park, where Fred met the love of his life, Dolores Marie Hulse. Their connection was immediate and lasting. They were married on November 13, 1950, at St. Agnes Cathedral, shortly before Fred was inducted into the United States Army.

Fred served honorably during the Korean War as a field radio mechanic, often stationed on the front lines. In November of 1952, he returned home from service and was finally able to meet his firstborn daughter, Cindy, who was already four months old. Family was always his greatest pride, and that pride only grew as their family expanded.

After his military service, Fred worked as a television and appliance technician for Montgomery Ward, moving his young family to Jefferson City, Missouri, where their second daughter, Debbie, was born. But Fred's independent spirit and love of working with his hands soon called him back to Springfield, where he and Dolores built a home on land that had once been part of Dolores' family farm-a place that would become the heart of the Kutz family for generations.

Together, Fred and Dolores founded Kutz TV & Appliance Service, a true family business built on hard work, trust, and long days. Dolores and Fred's brothers, LaVerne and Jerome, were all essential to its success. For 32 years, Fred and Dolores worked side by side, building not just a business, but a life together. They shared an extraordinary 72 years of marriage before Dolores' passing in 2022-a love story that remains an inspiration to all who knew them.

Fred was the devoted father of seven children and a man who believed deeply in teaching by example. A true jack of all trades, he seemed to know how to fix just about anything-whether it was an appliance, a fence, or one of his beloved Wheel Horse tractors, which he could often be found tinkering with well into the evening. His children and grandchildren learned to work alongside him-picking rocks, planting trees, mowing lawns, mending fences, mucking stalls, cutting brush, tending the garden (especially his treasured strawberry patch), and learning how to use tools properly and safely. Through this work, Fred quietly passed down lessons about responsibility, perseverance, generosity, and pride in doing things right.

Life with Fred was never all work. He loved games and laughter, and family evenings were often spent playing pinochle, poker, or caroms, or gathering around the television watching boxing and wrestling on Saturday nights, sharing a big bowl of homemade popcorn. Saturdays, once the chores were done, often ended with Fred settling in to catch a Notre Dame football game or enjoy an episode of This Old House or Hee Haw-simple routines that became cherished family memories. He enjoyed listening to country music, horseback riding, caring faithfully for his horses and pet squirrel "Chipper", fishing, swimming in the creek, and giving legendary piggyback rides that kids never seemed to outgrow. As the children grew older, Fred and Dolores could always be found at school and sporting events, cheering proudly from the sidelines.

One of Fred's greatest joys was nature. He had a special love for birds, dogs, and the land he cared for so deeply. Anyone who sat with him long enough was sure to hear stories about them. He poured his heart into his property, creating a peaceful retreat for four generations to enjoy. From countless bird feeders and purple martin houses to ducks, deer feeders, walking trails, gardens, and hundreds of trees he planted by hand, Fred created a place filled with life and serenity. Some of his happiest moments were spent sitting on the porch swing at sunset, gazing out the kitchen table window, or walking the trails with his binoculars, always hoping to spot a new bird. Rarely was he alone-Dolores, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and often a beloved pet were usually right there with him.

Fred's Catholic faith was a constant throughout his life and guided how he treated others. Sunday mornings found the Kutz family faithfully seated in the third row at Sacred Heart Church. Even in his later years, Fred drew strength and comfort from watching daily Mass, praying the rosary, and receiving Communion. One of his deeply held beliefs-and the reason he tithed regularly and donated to numerous charities-was, "Whatever you give to others in God's name will be returned to you tenfold." Fred's life exemplified that belief in every quiet act of kindness, generosity, and service.

Above all else, Fred will be remembered as a man who showed his love through action-a hardworking provider, a proud veteran, a devoted husband, and a steady, guiding presence for his family. His life was one of quiet sacrifice, deep faith, and immeasurable love. The values he lived by and the memories he created will continue to live on through all who were blessed to know him.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents, Rose Marie (Gripka) Kutz and Anthony Paul Kutz; his sister, Florence Eck; and his brothers, LaVerne Kutz and Jerome Kutz. He is survived by his children: Cindy Hamilton (Steve), Debbie Herndon (Jay), Pat Dierking, Sharon Bertalott (Tim), Rick Kutz (Sherry), Teresa Allen (Marty), and Jim Kutz (Pam); 15 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and many extended family members and friends who loved him dearly.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Fred's honor to The Kitchen, Inc., 730 N. Glenstone, Springfield, Missouri.

Funeral Arrangements will be held Saturday December 20th at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church located at 2200 W Republic Road, Springfield, MO.

Rosary will begin at 9:30 a.m. Visitation will be held from 10:00-11:00 a.m., followed by Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. Interment with Military Honors immediately following at Resurrection Cemetery. Luncheon to follow at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church.

A Message from the Family

To us, he wasn't just Fred. He was Dad, Grandpa, Great-Grandpa, and the steady presence we always knew we could count on. He showed us love through his actions-by working hard, fixing what was broken, tending the land and animals he loved, showing up when it mattered, and making sure we always knew we were safe and cared for.

He taught us how to work, how to be patient, how to respect nature, how to give generously, and how to find joy in the simple things. Some of our favorite memories are the quiet ones-sitting with him on the porch, walking the trails, listening to his stories, watching his favorite shows after a long day's work, or just being together without needing many words at all.

We take comfort in knowing he is now reunited with our mom, Dolores, the love of his life, and that they are together again. Though our hearts are heavy, we are deeply grateful for the life he lived, the lessons he gave us, and the love he shared so generously. We trust in the promise of our faith that he has been welcomed home, at peace in God's loving embrace, and we look forward to the day we are reunited again.

With love and gratitude,
The Kutz Family