Leonard E. Kutchera

Leonard E. Kutchera was born and raised in New Berlin, Wisconsin. He died peacefully on Saturday, March 22, 2025 at his residence in Oconomowoc at the age of 97. He was born in West Allis, WI on July 21,1927 the son of Leo and Olive (nee Surprise) Kutchera. On November 12, 1949 he married his one and only, Helene Slattery. Together, they had three children and raised their family in West Allis. Helene and Len shared just shy of 75 wonderful years together until her recent passing in October. Leonard joined the army at the young age of 16 and proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1945 until 1947. He was sent to Japan, and although a short time, the stories born from this experience lasted a lifetime. He worked for Allis Chalmers for 30 years and retired at the age of 49. Following his retirement, he enjoyed working various jobs. Or should we say Helene enjoyed Len staying busy. He helped with his son’s car care business, then later on his food truck business, Mama K’s. In 2000 Helene and Leonard helped at their daughter Cindy’s business Panetta's Catering for 8 years, until his young age of 80 years old. He was loved by all in the kitchen. You would find him telling stories while cutting carrots, or singing Frank Sinatra songs on his purple stool. He would sneak in some delicious desserts, sip coffee while wiping dishes, trying to stay on task knowing his watchful wife saw every single move he made.

Leonard loved watching auto car racing at Hales Corners Speedway in Franklin WI in the 50s until they closed in 2003. He would talk about the race tracks whenever he had a chance. Leonard also enjoyed spending time at the horse track at Arlington Park IL. He would often be found in the barns talking with the jockeys, sharing in his love for the sport with whomever had a moment for a chat. Len rode his bike into his 80’s around his home in West Allis. He would take his tan bike out for a stroll around their neighborhood, checking out the happenings and who was doing what. Leonard and Helene enjoyed traveling together. They made many trips to visit his parents in Florida in the 50 and 60s. Later in life to Vermont and down to the Bible Belt to hear a preacher speak the gospel and fellowship with those they meet along the way. Leonard was a great storyteller; give him your attention and take a seat because he always had a lot to say. He was truly blessed with an incredible memory for dates, historical events, birthdays, you name it. Leonard really did have a good, long life. He managed to maintain his ability to stay ambulatory with a little help, and engage with those he loved til the end, making us all smile. We will forever miss your singing.

He will be sadly missed by his children, Len (Karen) Kutchera of Mequon, Maureen Janowski of Waukesha and Cindy (Tim) Miles of Dousman; 6 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, other relatives and friends. In addition to his wife, Helene, he was preceded in death by his brother Robert Kutchera, daughter-in-law Susan Kutchera and son-in-law Ronald Janowski.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 30, 2025 from 2:00 p.m. until the 3:30 p.m. service in celebration of Leonard’s life at Randle-Dable-Brisk Funeral Home, 1110 S. Grand Ave., Waukesha. Because of Leonard’s love for St. Bernards, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to: Saint Bernard Rescue Foundation, Inc. by going to saintrescue.org and specify the Wisconsin chapter.