Warren Gale Cutler

(Warren) Gale Cutler, 85, of St. Joseph went home to his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, 11/27/07 at 7:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. Saturday 12/01/07 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 211 Church Street, St. Joseph, with burial at Riverview cemetery, 2925 Niles Rd. St. Joseph. Visitation will be Thursday 11/30/07 from 5 – 7 p.m. at Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Rd. St. Joseph, with Liturgical Prayers immediately following. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Birthright, the Benton Harbor Readiness Center, or Lory’s Place. Those wishing to share a memory online may do so in the guestbook at www.starks-menchinger.com He is survived by his beloved wife, Irene, of 57 years, three sons, Alan (Jill) Cutler of Murfreesboro, TN, Brian (Linda) Cutler of Medina, OH, Larry (Marcia) of Stillwater, MN, one daughter Melanie (Carl) Lavery of Lancaster England, six grandchildren: Kimberly Cutler Weaver of Largo, Fl; Erin and Stephanie Cutler of Lexington, KY, and Immanuel, Inez, and Saul Lavery of Lancaster, England. He grew up in Avon, Illinois with one sister, Ella Marie Cowdery and his parents Fred and Faye Cutler. Gale was a natural-born teacher who began his official teaching career in a one-room school house, and continued throughout his life as an education advocate to many who otherwise would have been discouraged. As a veteran of WW-II veteran, Mr. Cutler served in the US Army from 1942 – 1946, and rose to the rank of Captain. He served in the 76th Infantry Division, and 364th Field Artillery Battalion. He served in the European Theater participating in the campaigns of Ardennes, Rhineland, and Central Europe. He received the Bronze Star Medal for heroic actions in Luxembourg and Germany, the Army Commendation Ribbon for outstanding performance of duty, the American Theater Ribbon, the European Theater Ribbon with three battle stars, and the World War II Victory Medal. As a passionate advocate for the Lest We Forget organization, he was a featured speaker at the most recent Memorial Day celebration in St. Joseph. He was an enthusiastic co-instructor of the current Lest We Forget WW-II class at Lake Michigan Community College. After serving his country, Gale completed his B.A. in Physics-Mathematics from Monmouth College, Monmouth, Il. He continued his education at Penn State University receiving his MS and PhD in Physics. After leaving Penn State, he was an Associate Physics Professor at Mankato State University. Dr. Cutler served several different capacities over 31 years at Whirlpool Corporation including Director of Corporate Research from 1960 – 1984 and retired in 1988 as Vice-President, University Relations. In 1981 he received the Elisha Gray II Award for outstanding scientific achievements from the Whirlpool Chapter of Sigma Xi. In 1996 the Industrial Research Institute Inc. proudly distinguished Dr. Cutler as an IRI Honorary Fellow in recognition of his outstanding contributions in the field of Industrial Research and for his exceptional and meritorious service to the Institute. Dr. Cutler edited two textbooks on Detergency – Theory and Technology. He also was a contributing authored a series of Business Ethics Case Studies for Research – Technology Management magazine. As a active member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church, Gale served as Eucharistic Minister, Lecturer, and other volunteer positions within the Church. Friends knew Gale as a sports enthusiast who was always hopeful to see the Cubs win the World Series. Family, friends and work associates describe Gale was one of the most loved, respected, trustworthy, dependable and intelligent men known.