Leon C. Cutler (83) of rural Altamont

Leon Coil Cutler, born 10/6/1934 was a passionate, deeply spiritual lover of nature that hiked, canoed, camped, planted, tinkered, mowed and shared himself with all that he came in contact with over this past 83 years. He would give his car keys to a total stranger in need, work a young man beside him into the dirt and smile all the way. After 20 good years of managing cancer, he had a final few weeks of fighting and has gone peacefully at 1:30 am on April 18th to join his parents Harrison and Ethel Cutler, his brothers Lehman, Robert and Lyle and their wives and a group of Lakewood school mates, river rats and numerous business contacts from his days as company president at U-Haul. These souls are the winners as he can sit among them after this long rich life. They made him and he made them over the years and if you ever sat across the table, the cabin or a fire and talked with Leon you know one or more of the life stories which include the people, places and favorite pet dogs in rich and vivid detail.

He is survived by his wife Gwenda (Plowman) Cutler of 65 years. They met in grade school and they never looked back making well over 75 years as a couple together. Their sons Lane and Brent were blessed to be raised in this loving home. Lane and wife Brenda, grandchildren Erica (Davidson), Scott and wife Andrea, Haylie and husband Chris Sullivan, step grandkids Heath and wife Emily Standerfer, Ashley and Mike Klepzig and numerous great grandchildren. Brent and his wife Dasha together with children Alexandra and Daniel round out the family. Oh yes, and his faithful dog Zipper should not be forgotten.

To anyone reading this please remember the stories, the sense of humor and the passion for nature that lived in Leon’s heart. He knew every plant, every bird, every reptile and often brought them into his stories as he simultaneously taught us while entertaining. He was an avid collector of native American artifacts, walking sticks, camping gear and kept an organized garage where everything knew its place….until one of us came along to disrupt that order. So please celebrate his final hike out of this world and know that he is in a much better place this day. He had a great life and was able to do as he pleased for over 20 years down on the lake house and cabin in Altamont. Each of us should be so lucky.

There will be no services as he was not a fan of such formalities. As he would say, this is just part of growing up. Gieseking Funeral Home, Altamont is assisting the family with arrangements and online condolences may be expressed by clicking here.