Carl R. Kuchta

Carl Richard Kuchta, age 88, passed away Monday morning, October 16, 2023, at home.

Carl was born April 4, 1935, at the family home in Newton Falls, the son of John T. Kuchta and Mary Dropjac Kuchta Baker.

Carl graduated from Newton Falls High School in 1953. He worked at the Ravenna Arsenal and in 1955 was drafted into the United States Army and deployed to the DMZ line in Korea.  After his honorable discharge in 1957, he returned to Newton Falls.

Carl had a strong work ethic beginning in his early teen years.  He worked at Nussle Florist and Greenhouse in Newton Falls, Republic Steel, Flintcote in Ravenna, retiring from General Motors Lordstown in 1999, after 21 years.

Carl was a member of Messiah Lutheran Church in Newton Falls, where he served on the church council and property committee.  He always enjoyed decorating the church at Christmas and arranging flowers on the chancel area.

Carl enjoyed some hunting and a great deal of fishing. He had an appreciation of antique glass and furniture and liked to check out flea markets, garage sales and auctions.  Carl enjoyed traveling with his wife, Sandra (Ballas) and later, joined by their daughter Carla, whether by motor vehicle or in their camper.  They visited most of the National Parks throughout the western United States, as well as the eastern part of the country.  He also enjoyed visiting casinos with his friends.  After retirement, he was able to attend and enjoy many Newton Falls high school athletic games.  He could be seen cheering at volleyball and basketball games specifically.

Loving memories of Carl (“Sonny”, “Kuie”, “Kuch”) live on with his wife of 47 years, Sandy, and daughter, Carla of Vienna, whom he loved dearly.  His sister, Louise Stefancin of Berea;  his brother, Robert (Jean) Kuchta of Texas; his in-laws, Andy and Eileen Ballas of Colorado Springs, Colorado; Richard and Barbara of Chelsea, Michigan; and also, many nieces and nephews will miss their Uncle Sonny, Uncle Kuie or Uncle Carl.

Preceding him in death are his parents; two brothers, John (Bud and Doris), Joe (Kathleen); sister, Mary (John) Waris; brother-in-law, John Stefancin; and mother-in-law; Alda Ballas Wilson; as well as several buddies that he spoke of fondly.A Masonic service will be held at 10:30 a.m. by the Newton Falls Masonic Lodge #462 at the Messiah Lutheran Church in Newton Falls on Saturday, October 28, 2023, where a memorial service will follow at 11:00 a.m. At the conclusion of the service, military honors will be conducted by Ellsworth VFW Post
9571.
Interment will be in the Newton Falls Cemetery in Newton Falls, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of the Valley, Messiah Lutheran Church or any local animal shelter.

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