Abridged Obituary:

Robert Wayne “Bob” Kutulis passed away peacefully in his sleep at home on October 31, 2026. Born in Scranton, Pennsylvania, to John George Kutulis and Alma Ruth Fenne, he built a life devoted to family, country, and fellow veterans.

An Eagle Scout, Bob began his military service in the Marine Corps Reserve before joining the United States Air Force in 1958. He rose to master sergeant, earned his commission in 1970, and retired as a captain in 1980. He later held management positions with Sun Company, Mellon Bank, and Bankers Trust Company.

A dedicated veterans’ advocate, Bob held leadership roles in the Military Officers Association of America in Pennsylvania and received the Pennsylvania State Commendation Medal. After moving to Traverse City in 2014, he founded MOAA’s Northwestern Michigan Chapter.

Bob cherished his wife of 68 years, Carol Marie Deininger Kutulis, and their family. He especially enjoyed family reunions at Deep Creek Lake or in the Poconos and golfing with his grandsons, with friends in Florida, and at Elmbrook Golf Course at home in Traverse City.

He is survived by Carol; children Robert Kutulis (Gail), Kimberly Lett (William), Carolyn Kutulis, and Beth Friend (Bret); eleven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; his sister; three nieces; and one nephew. He was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Mary Jayne Maganas; his parents; and his twin brother.

A visitation for Bob will take place at Christ the King Church in Williamsburg, on Monday, November 9th from 10:30am- 12:00pm with a Funeral Mass starting at 12:00pm. Full Military Honors will take place following the Mass.

He will be remembered for his devotion to his family and a lifetime of service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to the Military Officers Association of America Northwestern Michigan Chapter's Scholarship Fund.

Full Obituary:

Robert Wayne Kutulis, affectionately known as Bob, passed away peacefully in his sleep at home on October 31, 2026. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Bob built a life centered on family, service to his country, and a lasting commitment to fellow veterans. 

Born in Scranton, Pennsylvania, Bob was the son of John George Kutulis and Alma Ruth Fenne. He grew up with his twin brother, David, who preceded him in death, and his sister, Honey. An Eagle Scout, Bob carried his commitment to service and responsibility throughout his life. 

Bob married his high school sweetheart, Carol Marie Deininger of Scranton. They celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary in July 2026. Together, they raised five children and built a family that grew to include 11 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. More than anything, Bob loved spending time with his family. Family reunions at Deep Creek Lake and the Poconos were especially dear to him, bringing together the people he loved most. 

Bob began his military service on July 23, 1956, enlisting in the Marine Corps Reserve as a combat driver. In 1958, he followed his brother into the United States Air Force, where he attended missile electronics school and worked on Matador and Mace missiles. He later served as a combat launch crew chief and electronic missile team crew chief on Minuteman missiles, advancing to the rank of master sergeant. 

Through the Air Force Bootstrap Program, Bob earned his commission in June 1970. His assignments as an officer included the 15th Air Force logistics staff, the Air Force Data Design Center, the Pentagon logistics staff, the Air Force Logistics Management Center, and the 341st Strategic Missile Wing. He graduated from the University of Nebraska at Omaha and earned a master’s degree in business administration from Chapman University. He also completed Squadron Officer School and Air Command and Staff College. Bob retired from the Air Force in 1980 with the rank of captain. 

Following his military career, Bob held several management positions with Sun Company, eventually managing its pension administration. He later worked for Mellon Bank and Bankers Trust Company in New York City before retiring in 2000. 

His dedication to service continued through the Military Officers Association of America, known as MOAA. Bob was proud of his work strengthening the Valley Forge Chapter, where he served as president, and leading the Pennsylvania State Council of Chapters. He advocated for veterans at the state level and with federal representatives, served on the board of the state veterans’ home in Philadelphia, and was a member of the Pennsylvania Veterans Commission. His service earned him the Pennsylvania State Commendation Medal. 

After moving to Traverse City, Michigan, in 2014, Bob brought that same commitment to his new community. In 2015, he established the Northwest Michigan Chapter of MOAA and became its founding president, championing the chapter and its mission. 

Retirement also introduced Bob to golf, which became a favorite pastime. He loved playing in Florida with friends, sharing rounds with his grandsons, and golfing at Elmbrook Golf Course after settling in Traverse City. 

Bob is survived by his beloved wife, Carol; his son, Robert Kutulis (Gail); his daughters, Kimberly Lett (Bill), Carolyn Kutulis, and Beth Friend (Bret); eleven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; his sister, three nieces, and one nephew. He was preceded in death by his beloved daughter Mary Jayne Maganas, his parents, and his brother.

A visitation for Bob will take place at Christ the King Church in Williamsburg, on Monday, November 9th from 10:30am- 12:00pm with a Funeral Mass starting at 12:00pm. Full Military Honors will take place following the Mass. 

His family will remember him most for his love and devotion—the husband who cherished their mother, the father who took pride in his children, and the grandfather who treasured time together. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to the Military Officers Association of America Northwestern Michigan Chapter's Scholarship Fund.

NWMI MOAA - Scholarship Fund

c/o Curtis Erickson

NWMI MOAA Treasurer

9789 E Lakeview Hills Rd

Traverse City, MI 49684-7542