Michael B. Kutschera

Michael Bernard Kutschera, age 83, passed away on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, with his loving wife Jan holding his hand. He was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on October 1, 1942, son of the late Edmund and Ruby (née Lock) Kutschera.

Mike graduated from Salvatorian Seminary High School in St. Nazianz, Wisconsin, in 1960 and later earned a B.A. in English from Marquette University. Following graduation, he proudly served in the United States Army as a member of the 196th Light Infantry Brigade. He served with distinction in Vietnam and was the recipient of the Bronze Star. This was followed by a tour in Korea. His military service was a profound source of pride, and his dedication to serving others was evident in every aspect of his life. He ultimately left the Army to devote himself fully to his growing family—a decision that reflected his deepest values.

Mike and his wife, Janice R. Waltenberger, were united in marriage on June 22, 1968. Together they raised their family in Wausau and later West Bend, Wisconsin. Upon retirement, Mike divided his time between Florida and Wisconsin. One of his greatest joys was spending time on the water at their home in Hazelhurst, Wisconsin—whether fishing, taking his grandchildren water skiing, or enjoying sunset cruises with Jan, his wife of 57 years.

Mike also had a deep love of travel. Endlessly curious about other cultures, he often said he wanted to see “as much of God’s green earth as possible.” He and Jan traveled extensively, and one of his gifts was learning a few phrases of the local language wherever he went, a gesture that reflected his genuine interest in people and their stories. These travels also provided a stage for one of his greatest talents: storytelling.

Above all, Mike loved his family and was fiercely devoted to them. He gave selflessly, and those who knew him are the beneficiaries of his generosity, humor, and unwavering love. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, curiosity, service, and devotion. Michael is survived by his wife, Jan; his children Daniel (Kim) Kutschera, Glenn (Tammi) Kutschera, Ann (Steve) Reigstad, and Dawn (Kim) Albrecq; and grandchildren: Kalle, Leif, Karsten, Kylie, Casey, Braden, Declan, and Teldrick. He is further survived by his sister Mary (Ralph) Scholz; in-laws, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings Ralph (Virginia) Kutschera, Lois Kutschera, Therese (William) Clark, Patricia (Tom) Zwettler, and Barbara Kutschera

Relatives and friends are invited to join the family on Thursday, March 12, at Maresh-Meredith & Acklam Funeral Home, 803 Main Street, Racine, Wisconsin, from 5:00–7:00 p.m., and another viewing again on Friday, March 13, 2026, from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at St. Rita’s Catholic Church, 4339 Douglas Avenue, Racine, WI. 53402. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated beginning at 11:00 a.m. Interment with full military honors will follow at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery, town of Dover. In lieu of flowers, please consider Memorials to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation or to The Bartch Transplant House.