Jerome "Jerry" Kutz

Kutz, Jerome Theodore " Jerry" Age 73, of Shorewood and formerly of Brighton Park, passed away on Tuesday September 20, 2011. Born August 10, 1938 in Chicago, Illinois to the late Theodore and Betty (nee Taylor) Kutz. Preceded in death by stepbrothers Peter and Thomas Carlson and George Ingle. Jerry is survived by his wife Patricia (nee Bikus) Kutz of 47 years, one daughter Wendy Kutz and one son Jacob (Jennifer) Kutz. His sister Shirley Kennedy, brother Robert (Chris) Kutz, numerous neices, nephews and cousins also survive. Jerry attended Peace Lutheran School and Kelly High School in Chicago and Tampico High School in Tampico, Illinois. He joined the United States Air Force in 1956 where he was stationed in France, earned his GED and worked as a radio relay equipment repairman and mechanic. After an honorable discharge in 1959 he met his future wife Patricia whom he married on September 19, 1964. Jerry became a truck driver in 1964, saw most of the country during his travels and recieved citations for 27 years of safe driving. He trained others on truck driving skills. His CB handle was "Scooter". He later became manager of Washin' America Carwash in Shorewood. Jerry was a member of Local Unions 701 and 673. He was a member of the Shorewood Lions where he used his artistic skill to create new signage for the Lions' food truck annual Shorewood Fest. Jerry was a musician who taught himself the guitar and organ. Jerry was generous to those less fortunate, always donating money or stopping to change a tire of a stranded motorist. He was a great story teller, a skill he inherited from his mother. Funeral services for Jerry Kutz will be Monday September 26, 2011 at 9:15 from the funeral home chapel to St. Jude Catholic Church where a mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Interment Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery. Visitation Sunday 2-6 p.m. at: FRED C. DAMES FUNERAL HOME 3200 Black at Essington Rd., Joliet For information (815) 741-5500 www.fredcdames.com