Richard L. "Dick" Kutzner

Richard L. “Dick” Kutzner, 96, of Auburn, Indiana, passed away, Monday, June 22, 2026, at Parkview DeKalb Hospital in Auburn.

He was born on March 8, 1930, in DeKalb County, Indiana to the late Karl C. and Ruth B. (Leins) Kutzner.

Dick married JoAnn Oster on August 7, 1949, at Maple Grove United Brethren Church in rural Auburn, and she passed away March 29, 2018.

He married Patricia “Patty” Leonard on December 19, 2020, in Auburn.

Dick was a self-employed farmer from 1949 to 1965. He also owned and operated Kutzner Heating and Air Conditioning for over 25 years. He later worked for Gibson Heating and Plumbing in Waterloo for five years and then for CNL Contractors, where he specialized in heating and plumbing. He concluded his working years performing maintenance for Calvary Chapel Church in Auburn.

Dick was a former member of Heritage Community Church in Auburn and currently was a member of New Hope Christian Center in Auburn.

He also was a member and served as past president of the Waterloo Lions Club and served on the Waterloo/Grant Township Fire Department for 17 years.

Surviving are his wife, Patty Kutzner of Auburn; son and daughter-in-law, Rev. Dennis L. and Carol Kutzner of Fort Wayne; daughter, Diane S. Dean of Auburn; six grandchildren, Kristine (Nathan) Reese, Karla (Joe) Salyer, Amanda (Aaron) Blackwell, Megan (Doug) Smith, Mallory Dean and Trace (Kelsey) Dean; 12 great-grandchildren, Taylor (Alex) Staffey, Emma (Landon) Strawn, Haley Reese, Anna Reese, Justin Salyer, Chad Salyer, Harper Smith, Dawson Smith, Madeline Dean, Cooper Dean, Mitchell Dean and Lucas Dean; five step great grandchild, Amber (Chris) Greene, Hayden Drerup, Raygan Drerup, Everlee Callaway, and Lake Callaway; two great-great grandchildren, Adalyn Salyer and Jaime Strawn; and three step great-great grandchildren, Gabe Bousman, Lincoln Greene and Loralei Greene.

Also surviving are Patty's six children, Denise Neff of Pennsylvania, John Carroll of New Jersey, Mike (Patty) Carroll of New Jersey, Jeanine (Ken) Villano of South Carolina, Susan Page of Pennsylvania, and Joy (Mike) Connell of Indiana; 11 grandchildren; and four great grandchildren. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; son-in-law, Terry Dean; and sister, Marvel Ulm.

Visitation will take place from 10 – 11:30 a.m., Monday, June 29, 2026, at Feller and Clark Funeral Home, 1860 Center St., Auburn.

A private family gathering will take place immediately following visitation.

Private burial will take place in Waterloo Cemetery.

Memorials may be directed to the New Hope Christian Center.

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