Mary Kutchera, age 76, a resident of rural Spooner, passed away at her home surrounded by her family, on Saturday, May 3, 2025. She was a devoted wife and mother, cherished grandmother and great grandmother, treasured friend and a source of unwavering strength and love.

Mary Jean Kutchera was born on September 2, 1948, in Grantsburg, Wisconsin, to parents Leonard and Mabel (Cairns) Larson, one of nine children: Harold, Violet, Ethel, Helen, Gerald, Leonard, twin brother Larry, and JoAnn. Mary was raised in Coomer, until she moved to Spooner with her mother and step father Spencer Knutson. On a blind date, she met Gary Kutchera, with whom she just celebrated 60 years of marriage. When their children were young, Mary participated with them in 4-H, and was an active 4-H mom. Mary worked at the Spooner Hospital, Cray Research, and lastly retired from Rice Lake Weighing Systems. After retirement, they moved back to the Kutchera Homestead near Spooner. During retirement, she joined the Spooner- Trego Lions Club acting as President and Secretary, along with other positions within the organization. She was a Melvin Jones and Burch Sturm fellowship recipient, along with Lion of the Year. One of her passions within the Lions Club was vision testing, which earned her the Knight of Sight Fellowship Award.

Mary is survived by her husband Gary, children: daughter Brenda (Pat) DeWitt and their children- Jessie (Ernie), Jacob (Annette), Dayna, and Dani (Ashlyn), daughter Connie (Rick) Huebner and their boys Justin (Emma), and Alex (Anna), son Brian (Happy) and his girls Mackenzie (Mitchell), and Brittany, and great grandchildren: Cadence, Evie, Addison, Mason, Madelyn, Casey, and David.

Mary is preceded in death by her parents, sisters Ethel and Helen, and nephews Roger and Richard.

A celebration of Mary Kutchera’s life will be held on Friday, May 9, 2025, at 4pm, at the Spooner Wesleyan Church. Visitation will be held at the Church on Friday, from 3- 4pm. Interment will be at the Spooner Cemetery.

Mary was the cornerstone of her family. Her home was a place of comfort, laughter and togetherness. She led by example, teaching patience, strength and unconditional love. Though she may be gone from our sight, her love lives on in the lives she shaped and in the memories she leaves behind.

Last Update: May 07, 2025 11:12 am CDT