Michael G. Kuchem

Michael Gerard Kuchem, 68, Washington, passed away Wednesday, June 19, 2024. 

Mike, son of Isidor (Isie) Kuchem and wife Dolores (nee Eckelkamp), was born on May 13, 1956, in Washington. 

Mike graduated from Washington High School in 1974.  Mike was united in marriage to Karen Unnerstall August 14, 1976, at St. Francis Borgia Church. 

The couple made their home in Washington.  Mike did not know a stranger and enjoyed meeting people.  He enjoyed playing with his granddaughters as well as nieces, nephews, and his friends’ children.  He enjoyed fishing and hunting and his fishing trips with his friends.  He loved the St. Louis Cardinals and talking about Stan Musial.  He enjoyed taking walks and reading.  Many memories were made when he had a home at the Lake of the Ozarks. His greatest love was spending time with his family, especially his granddaughters. He took great joy in playing games, kickball, riding the gator, watching their sports games, and basically doing whatever they wanted to him to do. He was the grandpa kids would want to have and is best remembered as being a Dad and Papa.  He will forever be remembered and loved.  He is now with his close friend Scott who he dearly missed among his other friends and family that went before him. 

Mike worked at IGA grocery until he started his business of Dr. Vinyl for 36 years until retirement.  He was also co-owner of Designer Threads with his wife Karen for 16 years.   

Mike is survived by his wife Karen Kuchem (nee Unnerstall) Washington; mother, Dolores Kuchem of Washington; one daughter Jenny Kuchem and husband Greg Struckhoff, Washington.  Two granddaughters, Maura and Alexa Struckhoff. 

Siblings, Mary Brinker and husband Ray, Washington, Jolene Eckelkamp and husband Jim, New Haven, and Karen Kuchem, Washington. 

Two brother-in-law’s, Glen Unnerstall and wife Beverly, Beaufort, Ron Unnerstall and wife Donna, Washington, One sister-in-law Darlene Peters and husband Jerry, St. Louis. 

Nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. 

He was preceded in death by his Father, Isie Kuchem; 2 brothers Kenny & Terry Kuchem, Mother and Father in-law, Lawrence and Helen Unnerstall, one sister-in-law, Linda Unnerstall. 

Visitation will be Sunday, June 30th from 1:00pm-5:00pm at Nieburg-Vitt, Miller Funeral Home, Washington. Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, July 1 at 10 am at Our Lady of Lourdes, Washington. Interment will be in the St. Francis Borgia Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial may be given to Knight Alzheimer Disease Research Center (Knight ADRC), St. Louis Children’s Hospital, or St. Vincent DePaul. 

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