Fr. Eugene C. Kutsch, 96, of Dubuque, died Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at the Stonehill Care Center in Dubuque.

A scripture wake service will be held at 3:00 pm Tuesday, April 16, 2024 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Crematory followed by visitation until 7:00 pm.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at St. Anthony Catholic Church celebrated by Archbishop Thomas Zinkula and priests of the Archdioceses of Dubuque. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque.

Fr. Eugene, the son of Clarence and Irene (Nierling) Kutsch was born in Dubuque on September 11, 1927.

He was educated at St. Mary’s, Dubuque, Loras Academy, and Loras College. Following the completion of his seminary formation at the Theological College of the Catholic University in Washington, D.C. he was ordained a priest by Archbishop Leo Binz in Christ the King Chapel, on June 2, 1951.

Father Kutsch served in the following assignments: Assistant Pastor, St. Boniface Church, New Vienna (1951-1952); Faculty Member, Loras Academy (1952-1956); Dean of Men, Loras College (1956-1969); pastor, St. Francis of Assisi Church, Fayette and St. Francis Xavier, Hawkeye (1969-1971); Team Ministry, St. John’s Church, Waterloo and St. Nicholas’ Church, Evansdale (1971-1976); pastor, St. Jude’s Church, Cedar Rapids (1976-1987); pastor, St. Anthony’s Church, Dubuque (1987-1999).  Following his retirement in 1999 Fr. Kutsch assisted in sacramental ministry in several of the Dubuque churches for a number of years.

During his active years as a  priest, Fr. Kutsch served on a number of Archdiocesan Boards, Councils, and Committees. He also was a member of the Board of Directors and assisted with fund raising for Advocator Welfare Answering Service (1974-1989). He was a co-founder of the Iowa Community Organization Development that resulted in Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement. He also was president in 1991 of Dubuque Area Christians United. In his retirement years, he served for several on more years on the Board of Directors of Stonehill Franciscan Services, Dubuque Food Pantry, and Steeple Square.

He is survived by a brother, Charles of Dubuque and 21 nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Sr. Corinne O.S.F., Rita Breitbach, and Adele Kass; brother-in-law, Paul Kass; sister-in-law, Constance Kutsch; and nephews, William Kass and Charles Kass.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given Catholic Charities or the Dubuque Food Pantry, Hospice of Dubuque, Stonehill Care Center.

Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting Father Gene’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.