David Leon Cutcher

David L. Cutcher passed away surrounded by his loving family on April 15, 2025, one day after celebrating his 96th birthday. He was married to the late Lois Kaufman in 1949, lovingly sharing over 52 years of marriage. Together with their family, they were devoted parishioners to Good Shepherd Catholic Church in East Toledo. Dave retired from the Toledo Museum of Art in 1994, where he proudly worked under Otto Whittmann Jr. and Dr. Roger Berkowitz. As the lead carpenter, he was responsible for the care and shipping of many priceless works, including the Age of Louis XV, El Grecos, and the Bareiss exhibition. During his time at the Art Museum, he received many accolades; he was named Employee of the Year multiple times, and he received letters of commendation from museums across the world for his work that went unseen by many. He took great pride in ensuring the treasured pieces of art from across the world were kept in pristine condition for art lovers to enjoy for decades to come. His grandchildren loved school field trips to the Museum, where their Grandpa would make a special appearance, and they could brag to their classmates that their Grandpa built the case the Mummy rests in. His hard work was recognized in the Toledo Blade series, “All in a Day’s Work” in 1983. The final piece he worked on before retirement, which he took much pride in, was The Crowning of Saint Catherine by Peter Paul Rubens.

In addition to his carpentry talents, he was a competitive athlete, having played softball and later taking up golf in retirement. He continued to play until he was 94, even having achieved a prized hole-in-one! Spending Fridays throughout the summer playing in the Waite Alumni golf outings and any day of the week with his friends, Dave St. John and Don Brenkman brought him much joy. In the winter, he enjoyed playing euchre at the Maumee Elks club. He was a fierce euchre player and loved to play the game any chance he had.

Dave was preceded in death by his loving wife Lois, his parents Vincent and Orlena Cutcher, brother Wayne (Phyllis) Cutcher, and sisters Marlene (Gene) Kutchenriter and Judy Gorski, along with brother-in-law Ray Luyet. Surviving are his three children, David W. (Jeanie) Cutcher, Gary L. (Barb) Cutcher, and Annie M. (Ricky) Strause; his sister Rose Luyet, and brother-in-law Larry Gorski. Surviving grandchildren, Jenai Cutcher, Marissa (Scott) Glenn, Alisa (Adam) Marier, Nick (Maggie) Strause and Andrea (Gary) Gurcsik, Jessica (Brian) Bennick, and their mother, Pat Cutcher. Great grandchildren include Iris and Luke Glenn; Violet Marier; Julia, Kate, and Jack Gurcsik; Caleb, Gavin, and Brody Bennick; and Charlie and Emma Strause.

The family wishes to thank the staff at StoryPoint, especially Kristine and Jody; the staff at Hospice, Amanda (his favorite), and Cindy, for lovingly helping Dave when he’d allow you. Visitation will begin at 2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at Freck Funeral Chapel, located at 1155 S. Wynn Road, Oregon, OH 43616. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at St. Ignatius Catholic Church, 212 N. Stadium Rd in Oregon, OH, with a reception following. A private interment for immediate family will be held separately. In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider donations to Hospice of Northwest Ohio in Dave’s name.