Joseph Ray Kutter
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For his faith in Jesus and a lifetime of service, Joe Kutter has pressed on to the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus, obtaining his eternal reward on May 7, 2020 at age 75 from cancer.
Born in Covington, KY, Joseph Ray Kutter, is the eldest of three children born to James Andrew and Floy Estelle Abernathy Kutter. Moving to Florida at an early age, Joe graduated from Riverview High School in Sarasota in 1963. A die-hard Seminole fan, he graduated from Florida State in 1967 with a degree in history. He enrolled at Crozer Theological Seminary and graduated with his Master of Divinity degree. In 1978 he graduated from Drew University with a Doctor of Ministry degree.
It was at Crozer that he met Peggy Campbell, who captured his heart and shared his life. They were married on September 5, 1969. Together they are the parents of four children and the grandparents of eleven amazing grandchildren.
Ordained on Pentecost Sunday in 1971, Rev. Kutter served five churches during his career. He was the Assistant Pastor of First Baptist Church of Haddonfield, NJ; Pastor of First Baptist Church of Arlington in Kearny, NJ; Pastor of Cherry Hill Baptist Church in Dearborn Heights, MI; Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church of Royal Oak, MI and Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church, Topeka, KS. He then served as the Executive Director, American Baptist Ministers Council until retirement in 2012. After retirement Dr. Kutter served as Director of Interim Ministries for the American Baptist Churches of the Central Region and Interim Executive Minister for the ABCCR.
Dr. Kutter served 20 years as a Trustee of Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School and was elected Life Trustee of CRCDS. He served as a member of the General Board of the American Baptist Churches USA; Chaplain to the General Board, ABC-USA; President of the American Baptist Ministers Council and President of the Topeka Center for Peace and Justice. He also served on many ABC regional boards and committees and participated in local ecumenical involvements in the communities he served.
Joe will be remembered for his commitment to excellence in ministry and life. He was ever the mentor, helping others find their best selves in life, in relationships, in ministry and in faith.
Joe is survived by Peggy Kutter, his wife of 50 years; by his children and grandchildren: Erin & Dave Masen, Jonathan, Abigail, Anna and Anora; Andrea & Andy Kohl, Conrad, Emmett, Gretchen, and Edison; James & Tracy Kutter, Clara, Julia and Joseph; Josh & Rosie Kutter. He is also survived by his sister, Nancy Whitley of Atlanta and his brother and sister-in-law, Ed & Mary Kutter of Tallahassee; many nieces and nephews and a host of friends, colleagues, acquaintances and beneficiaries of a life well lived and ministries that touched people for eternity.
A Celebration of Joe’s Life will take place at First Baptist Church, 1330 Kasold Drive, Lawrence, KS at a time to be announced.
Memorial gifts may be sent in lieu of flowers to The Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Freedom, the American Baptist Churches of the Central Region, The Topeka Center for Peace and Justice and Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School.
Please know how sorry Wanda and I are. Joe was a dear friend during our time at 1st of RO. We will also cherish the times we camped together at LEAL. Another memory is the early CHRISTmas morning trips to the Detroit Airport, so Joe could make it to Florida and the family first thing in the morning, after preaching CHRISTmas Eve. Our deepest prayers are with you.
Sad that Joe has passed as I cherish memories of his meaningful life even after diagnosis and as he made the final journey of life. He was a great colleague in ministry, inspiring and fun. Prayers continue for Peggy and family.
Joe Kutter was an extraordinary man of faith, who excelled as husband, father, grandfather, pastor, denominational leader in the ABC,USA, and esteemed friend. His rare sense of humor, his welcome candor, his turn of a phrase, and the twinkle in his eye will live in my memory forever. I mourn his passing and I shall miss him. Thank God, he had Peggy and his family at his side throughout his illness, which he faced with honesty and faith. May God bless this beautiful family, as God welcomes Joe into the Kingdom of Heaven.
Lucky enough to have met Joe and Peggy on. Xmas market cruise. So sorry Peggy.
I believe there are few people in your life aside from your parents and family, who can trully change your life , I am sure that Mr Kutter, has changed my life and especially may faith life , we had many life and faith conversations while I worked with him, trying to get him more stable and strong. I am sure he has touched many lives in this world, and greatly mine was one of them ! May heartfelt prayers and love to our to Mrs Kutter and all her children and grandchildren.
Joe will always be loved and missed. He was a wonderful minister and friend. His eight years at first Baptist Church of Arlington in Kearny New Jersey were very special to us.
Our love and sympathy go out to Peggy and all the family.
My thoughts and prayers to Joe’s family during this difficult time of loss. I often think of the many interactions our two families had as we worked and played together while he served at First Baptist – Royal Oak. I will remember Joe for his lessons of faith and service.
Prayers for peace for the whole family during this difficult time. Jonathan and I send our heartfelt condolences.
Your family is embedded in my childhood memories. I am so sorry for your loss, I will be keeping all of you in my thoughts.
Prayers to the family. I have known Joe since childhood. His father was the minister at our church for many years. Joe and my brother were friends. He will be missed by his family. I know that he will see my brother and be watching over all of us.
I enjoyed Joe’s off-beat brand of humor and a sermon illustration I stole from him about roses and thorns. He never was pompous and was a joy to engage. His nonthreatening leadership style was what we needed “for just such a time as this”.
As we remember Joes life and ministry, we also remember the meals we had together in Lawrence. Our conversations were both deep and humorous as we listened intently to each other. We treasure those times together. God be with you, Peggy. Carolyn and Lee Carlson
I am grateful for knowing Joe as a great leader of FBCRO. As a member of his call committee I remember knowing right away that he was the one for us. As his room mate in the Dominican Republic we made a great team helping build a church. Sharon and I were honored to help provide a home base for Andrea as she embarked on her college career while the rest of the family moved to Kansas.
I will look forward to our reunion with our God in Heaven.
JC
A man I knew for only a short period of time; however, his genuine kindness and love for others lasts a lifetime. Rest In Peace Joe. You will forever live in our hearts.
To the Kutter family as we know Joe is safe in the arms of our Savior, a few tears are shed for the loss of his presence. May you all be enfolded in God’s soothing care as you move your lives forward bravely & know you made his family life the best. He will be missed.
To the Kutter family during this time of Joe’s transition from this life on earth to his eternal rest. Please remember (Psalm 91:11- 12) “For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.” With heartfelt prayers and Sympathy…”May God Bless and Keep You In His Comforting Care.”
Pastor Joe was my pastor at First Baptist Church in Topeka KS. He has and will always hold a special place in my heart as he was the one God sent to baptized me at Lake Shawnee when I was 13. The beginning of my walk with Christ started under his leading, and I remember that day 22 years ago like it was yesterday. He was a blessing in my life!
Joe brought a profound understanding of people and helped all of us see God in the events of our lives. I considered it an honor to have worked with him at FBC Topeka. Earlene and I want to express our sympathy to Peggy and the family. He blessed our lives. May God’s mercy and grace help you walk through your grief and profound sense of loss.
I am so incredibly grateful to have known Pastor Joe. He was my pastor growing up in First Baptist Church of Topeka. He was the one that baptized me and I still have the slip of paper he gave to me on that day. He may not have known it at the time, but the verse perfectly describes my journey with Christ. My deepest sympathies go out to the Kutter family.
I am so sorry to hear about Joe! He was always a great neighbor and friend. He will be a great loss to you Peggy, your children and your grandchildren. I pray that you and your family will have strength and grace to get through this time. Love you and praying for all of you! XO
Our hugs, love and prayers are sent to Peggy and family. Joe was such a great example of how to treat others and was the best father figure. I know he is in good hands now with our Lord and that he is at peace. Prayers for strength as you continue in the days, weeks, months and years ahead — memories will last forever! Love you all!
We recall when Joe came to the Topeka church as our new minister. We always appreciated how he did such a good job of making that transition a positive one. Our thoughts are with you, Peggy, at this time in the loss of a special guy.
Joe and I shared friendship with many old and good friends from our days at FSU. Joe had made a gentleman’s agreement with life (and God and with the Love of his life, Peggy). Joe worked diligently to give back more than he received. And made it look easy. These words from Ralph Waldo Emerson (to me) describe Joe Kutter: “He was one of the most sincere, natural, unostentatious and completely satisfactory friends we ever had; so dependable in his homeyness and so rewarding in his kind outlook on life…A friend is a person with whom I may be sincere. Before my friend, I may think aloud. I am arrived at last in the presence of a person so real and equal, that I may drop even those undermost garments of courtesy and second thought, which most of us never put off, and may deal directly…in simplicity and wholeness….When they are real, they are not glass threads or frostwork, but the solidest thing I know.” Joe Kutter was solid. Even though he and I did not get to spend much time together through the years, I will miss him dearly. I will thank God upon every remembrance of Joe and know that he is in God’s Presence and care!
So sad to hear of his passing.. He was a joy to be around and stands out in my memory of FSU BSU days. I wish we had been around each other after our Tallahassee days.
From our days at Crozer Seminary, I held Joe in the highest regard as a friend, colleague, and fellow follower of Christ. My respect for Joe only grew as our years in ministry connected once again through our years together on many national ABC commissions, boards, and many late nights following long meetings. The greatest gift Joe gave me was his friendship when many turned their backs on me after I came out as a gay man in ministry. While Joe struggled theologically with the issue of homosexuality, he was willing to struggle and maintain our friendship during that journey. Joe was a man of great compassion, integrity, intellect, resilience, and faith. His impact on my life will carry on as he has now reached that promised peace and assurance in which he so deeply believed.
Our family sends condolences on Joe’s passing. We treasured his faith and the interactions our families shared. Sending prayers and hugs to you all.
God Bless, Bruce & Kathy Graham and Family
I knew Dr. Kutter from his days at FBC Royal Oak when I had the privilege of consulting with his congregation through ABC_MI. He will never know how he impacted my life. It was because of my respect for him, his ministry and knowledge that I did my DMin at Drew University Enjoy your time in God’s presence Joe.
Very sad news. Prayers to his family. Joe baptized me on Sept. 20th 1981 at Cherry Hill. He was an inspiration. I learned a lot from him.
I met Joe when I became a Trustee of Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School in the early 1990s. I always looked forward to seeing Joe, who I called Preacher, even when the Board agenda was stacked with issues that were sure to be difficult and, occasionally, contentious. In fact, it was in those situations that Joe shined. He would listen patiently to all sides and, at the right moment, he would offer an interpretation and a perspective that brought much needed clarity, if not always resolution, to the discussion. These pearls of insight always began, “I might not be the smartest person in the world but let me see if I understand correctly.” When I heard that sentence I knew it was time to wake up and pay attention. Years beyond our Board service Joe would touch base to check up on me. While it might be true that Joe was not the smartest person in the world, he was frequently the smartest person in the room, and the most humble — virtues that are not often combined in one soul.
Joe and I served on the Crozer Board together and I could count on him to be the one who named the elephant in the room. He was fun to play golf with because he was worse than I most of the time. A great person to know. A fine preacher of the Good News.
I am honored to have called Joe Kutter “friend.” His passing is a great loss, but his legacy continues to live, like never-ending ripples from a stone thrown into water. Over the years, the ripples may appear to fade, but they will carried through in many lives that may have never heard Joe’s name, but for whom Joe’s life touches theirs through those he ministered to. It is an energy not lost to us, nor to our planet in such desperate need of it.
It is hard to say goodbye, especially to someone with whom we would have wanted more conversations, about life, about the Bible, about how each of us walks that Abrahamic journey. It is hard to release one with whom we desired at least one more opportunity to spend time together. Yet we must release, and perhaps, in the crowd that cheers us on as we run our races–some of them also diminuendoing (I like to make up words)–we can see Joe cheering us on as he once cheered the Seminoles. Joe, pray for us in our hours of need. We are grateful for your life. We pray God’s comfort on all who mourn you passing, especially your family.
(BTW, I am married to Jimmy Reader)
Joe Kutter and I served together on the ABC/USA Ministers Council twice – in the 1990s and again in the early 2000s. During the first period, we faced challenges around racism – perhaps unconscious and unspoken, but decisions made and words spoken which were racist, and we worked through that together. In the second period, we faced the difficult questions around inclusion of LGBT ministers. I met Joe again several years later, when I worked on staff for two years at CRCDS, where Joe Kutter was a trustee. Joe was a truly good man, and a man of faith – and of trust, as his final sermon expresses. He will be missed.
Joe Kutter and I served together on the ABC/USA Ministers Council twice – in the 1990s and again in the early 2000s. During the first period, we faced challenges around racism – perhaps unconscious and unspoken, but decisions made and words spoken which were racist, and we worked through that together. In the second period, we faced the difficult questions around inclusion of LGBT ministers. I met Joe again several years later, when I worked on staff for two years at CRCDS, where Joe Kutter was a trustee. Joe was a truly good man, and a man of faith – and of trust, as his final sermon expresses. He will be missed.
Joe’s extraordinary kindness and concern for others has inspired me all of my life. As with many other youth in BYF at the First Baptist Church of Haddonfield I grew in faith because of Joe’s example as a leader and follower of Christ. In the words of my Salvation Army friends I’m smiling now as I reflect today on Joe’s “promotion to glory.”
I will always remember Rev. Kutter as a true man of God. Forty years ago when he was a Senior Pastor at Kearny Baptist Church, NJ. He opened the doors of the church for us to begin the Hispanic Ministry in that city. I thank God for his life and ministry, thanks to people like Dr. Kutter the kingdom of God is promoted throughout the world. I join in feeling his beloved family and all those who knew him … “He was a burning and a shining light: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light”. (John 5.35)
To the family of the Rev. Dr. Joseph R. Kutter: On behalf of the executive board of the Gurrola Baptist Foundation (GBF), please accept our sincere condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. “Well done, good and faithful servant… enter into the joy of your Lord.” Matthew 25:21
I was a woman pastor in a small church in New Hampshire. Joe respected me as a person and as a pastor and made me believe I was doing the most important work in the world. He was a man of honor and integrity and our world is a much better place because he was here. Blessings and prayers for his family.
If I only new Joe for a brief season in ministry and will miss him, I can’t imagine how much more you, his family, will experience without Joe. Thank you for sharing Joe with us. He touched our hearts and lives in a very unique way. Surely he leaves a legacy of love for the Church, family, friend, and colleagues. What a special soul God gifted us with. What a witness and encouragement for us share Christ and be more Christ-like. Be encouraged, have hope, and carry-on, as Joe did!
I knew him for a short time through Ministers Council. His wisdom and compassion were two of his many strengths and how I will remember him.
Peggy – My thoughts, prayers, and love go out to you and your family on Joe’s passing. He was a wonderful pastor and a great man.
Cherry Hill Baptist
So sorry to hear that Joe had passed. Although we hadn’t seen Joe for over 40 years, Peg and I will be forever grateful for his participation in our wedding in 1975, serving as co-officiant with Father Szupper from the University if Delaware. The sage advice he gave us was just what we needed. Plus, it was fun observing our minister and priest enjoying ‘beverages’ at our reception! May he rest in peace. Our sincerest condolences to Peggy and the whole family.
Dr. Kutter was a great Pastor an Preacher. He married my wife and I 35 years ago today at Cherry Hill Baptist. Belated condolences to the Kutter family.
I knew Dr. Kutter when I was in high school while attending Cherry Hill Baptist Church. Dr. Kutter baptized me in 1983. Great man of God.