Ishpeming- Allen F. Kutchie, age 79, passed away on Thursday December 10, 2020, at the Marquette County Medical Care Facility while in the loving care of nursing home staff.

Allen was born in Ishpeming, MI, on January 19, 1941, son of the late Francis and Grace (Carlyon) Kutchie. He attended St. Lawrence Seminary for three years before graduating St. Paul's High School in 1958. He attended Northern Michigan College for one and a half years, taking classes in physical education and social studies before joining the Army. He became a sergeant in the National Guards while serving for 6 years. Five years at Montgomery Wards was followed by five more at J.C. Penney managing the men's clothing department. In 1970 Allen started working at the Peninsula Bank. A dedicated employee for 33 years, Allen retired as Vice President and was well-respected and appreciated. The outpouring of the bank employees and the community at his farewell party was heartfelt. But if you were to ask him what his greatest achievement is, he'd tell you, "Raising my children."

Allen had a strong faith and was passionate about serving others. He was a member of the Parish Council at St. John's and served as a lector at both St. John's and St. Joseph's Catholic Churches in Ishpeming. He cared deeply about people as evidenced through his active involvement with the Knights of Columbus, the Elks, the Chamber of Commerce, Ishpeming Diplomats, Big Brothers, Ishpeming Cancer Society, Ishpeming Housing Commission, Ishpeming Compensation Committee, Commission on Aging, United Way, U.P. Human Resources Association, Michigan State University Advisory Extension Council, the Home Health Association, and was the founder of the Community Fund. Allen also enjoyed singing and was a member of the Negaunee Male Chorus and Allegro. He loved hunting, fishing, going for walks, gardening, nature, telling stories, laughing and making others laugh, playing cribbage, spending time with his family, and enjoyed his spaghetti and meatballs on Sundays.

He was highly respected for his advice, knowledge, and work ethic, but even more regarded for his kindness and compassion towards everyone he met. He cherished his relationships with his family and his friends. If you didn't know Allen, you weren't a stranger for long because his contagious laugh, open heart, and smiling eyes greeted and welcomed you. He gave the biggest hugs and had a way of making people feel special and loved, especially his wife, Clara, of 56 years, his children, and grandchildren.

Allen is survived by his wife Clara (Valente) Kutchie, three children- Christine (Patrick) Waara, Steven (E.J.) Kutchie, Jason (Anna) Kutchie, his brother- Terry (Mary) Kutchie, six grandchildren- Ben Waara, Nathan Waara, Brooke (Chris) Rozine, Walker Kutchie, Samuel Kutchie, Tyler Kutchie, best friend- Bill Gischia, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Due to the current COVID-19 restrictions a private Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday December 16, 2020 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church with Rev. Fr. Ryan Ford as celebrant. Interment will take place in the Negaunee Cemetery. A public celebration of Allen's life will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Marquette County Medical Care Facility in memory of Allen.

A special thank you from Allen's family is extended to the staff at the Marquette County Medical Care Facility for the wonderful care they gave to Allen.

Allen's obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.