Joyce Jeanne Wagoner Kutsche
December 10, 1926- July 31,2020
Joyce Jeanne Wagoner Kutsche, 93, finished her earthly life on Friday, July 31st, 2020. She was born in Dearborn, Michigan, first child of Darwin Earl and Bernice Raycraft Wagoner. She led her adopted brother, Allen, on many adventures, specifically climbing into the highest treetops. Her baby sister, Carol Elaine, counted on Joyce to ride the edge off her energetic horse, Colonel, so she could handle him. Joyce was musical and sang in church choir (directed by her mother) and in a trio for servicemen during WWII. She also took an unsanctioned flight in a trainer aircraft with a “friend” when her dad was stationed in Massachusetts. She met her future husband, William Frederick Blake Kutsche while attending Michigan State University where she graduated with a degree in Music Education. They married and had five living children.
For many years Joyce directed choir at Oscoda United Methodist Church, and helped establish the Iosco Community Concert series. She and Blake spearheaded a drive to establish the Oscoda Beach Park through the “Make Oscoda Better” Association, which fought a legal battle to remove a trailer park in the early 1960s. After the court ruling, the park developed into the beautiful space it is today, shared by all. The recreational sport store Sport ‘n Trail, which Joyce and Blake owned and managed for many years, supplied motorcycles, snowmobiles and watercraft to the local community. After ill-health forced a move to Virginia, Joyce remained active into her 90’s as a member of Louisa UMC, singing in the choir and in the Louisa Community Chorus, directed by her daughter.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. W. F. Blake Kutsche; brother Alan Wagner; son-in-law Bruce Taunt; and infant daughter, Elizabeth.
She leaves behind to cherish her memory, her children Jeanne Taunt (Bruce), Lynn Hetner (Tom), Darwin Paul Kutsche, William Blake Kutsche (Suzi), & Carol Barfield (Pat). Joyce claimed three “sons-of-the-heart”, John (Merrill), Bill (LeAnne) and Bob McArdle.
She is also survived by her sister, Carol Wagner (Tom); and many nieces, nephews and friends.
To continue her legacy of enthusiastic living are her grandchildren and
great-grandchildren Jeff & Kelly Taunt: Reagan& Brooklynn; Greg & Justyna Taunt: Alessandra & James; Paige & Joe Rice: Teddy, Olivia, Cora, & Jessica; Patrick & Hilda Barfield: Cyrus, Lilliana & Leon; John & Kayla Barfield: Gideon; Kelly Hetner;
Bryan & Sarah Hetner: Ava; Chris Hetner: Jacob; Alexander, Jessica, Zachary, Scott, Bridget and Terri Kutsche; Anita Christene Paulin, and Jack Boutin.
Dear Carol and family:
Blessings and prayers to all of your family at this sad time.
Carol, Paige and family:
May memories comfort you at this difficult time. Keeping the family in our thoughts and prayers.