Michael John “Clutch” McCutcheon left this world peacefully, surrounded by love on March 7th, 2015 after a courageous battle with leukemia. If you were lucky enough to know Mike, you know that he remained positive and fought the battle until the very end. Mike was born on August 29th, 1950 in Stevens Point, the sonContinue Reading
Michael John “Clutch” McCutcheon left this world peacefully, surrounded by love on March 7th, 2015 after a courageous battle with leukemia. If you were lucky enough to know Mike, you know that he remained positive and fought the battle until the very end.
Mike was born on August 29th, 1950 in Stevens Point, the son of Dale and Rose (Jankovich) McCutcheon. He graduated from Madison West in 1968, followed by a degree in Marketing from MATC. His passion for trucks started at the Pine Cone truck stop, where he met some of his lifelong friends. Mike worked in sales for 38 years between Peterbilt of Wisconsin and Wisconsin Kenworth, being one of the best salesmen they have ever seen.
Mike had an unmatched zest for life which is hard to sum up in such a small amount of words. He was in multiple golf and pool leagues, captain of “Cutch's Crew” for the Crazylegs Run, dedicated Badger fan, he was a devoted and active member of the Sun Prairie Lions Club, recipient of the Melvin Jones award, Chairman of the Eye Bank Dispatch Committee, earned the James J Reininger Lifetime Achievement Award for community service, played the lottery multiple times a week, every week, couldn't resist a good deal, and he could sell anything as long as he believed in it. Most of all, he loved his family and friends, and we lived every day knowing it.
Mike is survived by his partner and love of his life Janell Desjarlais; best friend and daughter Sarah (Mark) Gernetzke, son Ryan (Liz) Niemyjski; Sarah and Ryan's mother, Beth; grandchildren Becky, Kramer, Nicole and Sam; siblings Tom (Renee), Pat (Kim), Michele, Tim (Donna), and Mark (Amy); nieces and nephews Jessica (Benjamin), Kristin (Joe), Seth (Bora), Keeley, Luke, Jared, AJ, Lauren, Matthew and Ian; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins, and countless friends. Mike is preceded in death by his parents and dear friend Mike “Peel” Lemon.
Visitation will be held at TUSCHEN-NEWCOMER FUNERAL HOME, 302 Columbus Street, Sun Prairie on Wednesday, March 11th from 4 to 8pm. Funeral services will be on Thursday, March 12th, 2015 at 11:30am at BETHLEHEM LUTHERAN CHURCH, 300 Broadway Drive, Sun Prairie, with a visitation preceding the service from 10 to 11:30 at the church. Pastor Charlie Brandt will preside.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the UW Carbone Cancer Center.
Clutch, we were blessed to call you ours, and we will see you again.
Tuschen-Newcomer Funeral Home
Sun Prairie, WI 608-837-5400
www.newcomerfh.com
John Maestrelli
left a message on March 24, 2015:
Clutch and I had similar interests; we were both fans of old cars, he had his beloved Mercedes and I had my 58 Corvette. We also had a friendly rivalry on the Sun Prairie Golf Course where we both played in the same golf league. We were also members of the Lions Club.
Clutch was a good friend and I will miss him.
John Maestrelli
Carla Ziegler Blomgren
left a message on March 12, 2015:
Mike was a wonderful man that I'm proud to say he was my friend. Always took the time to talk & tell a story or joke. He will be greatly missed. I'm sorry that I won't be able to make the service become I am out of town, but my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Bob Fox
left a message on March 11, 2015:
Worked with Mike at Wisconsin Kenworth, and knew him several years before that, just a couple of used truck guys trying to do their thing. Great guy, and will not only be missed by all the people he knew and his co-workers, but also his many, many customers that he took care of. The consummate salesperson, gone too soon. Being 1/2 Irish, this was one of Mom's favorite; "May you be in heaven a full half hour before the Devils knows your dead" . Probably trying to sell something to someone in heaven right now.
Really good knowing you Mike
Tim Johnson
left a message on March 11, 2015:
Clutch was sure one of a kind and a great man. Some of the memories that will last a long time will be around the Crazy Legs in Madison. So many followers due to him being the organizer for Clutch Crew. I member a few years back starting out the race in this mass of people and about a half mile into the walk I ran across Mike and Janell walking together HOLDING HANDS:). Shocked was a fair response as it was the first time I realized they were a couple and although I was in the dark prior to that, could sure see the strong love that grew quickly after that.
Pam and Bill Lewis
left a message on March 11, 2015:
Bill has such fond memories of Clutch and him working together at the truck stop years ago. They had such a good time together and he remembers them going to Shakey's after work for a beer and pizza.
And I remember him dressing up as Santa every year. He always gave out candy canes and mine was always broken. So one year he put a whole candy cane in a plastic case surrounded by cotton and gave it to me. And i still have it and bring it out every year around the holidays! He was a wonderful guy and will truly be missed. Pam and Bill Lewis
Kathy Lemon Linden
left a message on March 11, 2015:
So sorry to hear of the passing of Clutch. I didn't know clutch that well but I do know he was my brothers best friend. Mike spoke of clutch often to me and I know they were great buddies. I know this time is hard but I believe they will be together again in heaven. Now they can golf and play pool like old times. I know Mike will be waiting to meet him at the gates so he will not be alone. I will be praying for the family in this time of sorrow. Michele, I know how you feel losing your brother, saying lots of prayer for you too.....
love, Kathy
Joy Reininger
left a message on March 10, 2015:
I've known Mike from family get togethers at Mark & Amy's. He will be missed. My condolences to the McCutcheon families.
Joy Reininger
Sun Prairie
Jim "Jake" Tomlin
left a message on March 10, 2015:
Mike knew no stranger's. He had an uncanny ability to remember everyone he ever crossed paths with, and was always willing to help anyone. The world was a much better place with him in it. There are no answers as to why he had to go, I'm sure heaven will be a better place and much more festive now that he's there.As I was telling someone about him today, the best I could some it up with is that it will be very hard to replace him in this world. My condolences to the family.
Dave Holappa
left a message on March 10, 2015:
Great times with Clutch. SPWC, bowling league, pool league, golf league, work and the many St. Patrick's Days (just to name a few). He loved life! Chris and I loved him and will miss him greatly.
Dona (Mrs. Al) Deininger
left a message on March 10, 2015:
Our daughter, Kathy Lukens, (of Sun Prairie) just informed me of Mike's death and I want to give my condolences to all of Mike's family--most especially his siblings whom Al and I knew so well when we lived in Madison, WI. Rose and Dale were Al's and my very closest and dear friends and I can see a little of each in the picture of Mike. Reading Mike's obituary I recognize, also, his inherited qualities: Rose's compassion; Dale's humor and ability to "sell".
Sympathies from our family to yours. Dona (Mrs. Al) Deininger
Maria & Randy Brandt
left a message on March 10, 2015:
When you hear the thunder begin to rumble, smile and raise a glass to the Heavens. Peel is racking up the balls and Mike is getting ready to run the table.
Always a great friend and inspiration in the love and generosity he shared, the man knew how to make a difference.
This world was richer while he was here and he will be deeply missed.
sonny Kendall
left a message on March 10, 2015:
Clutch and I were Fast friends. It makes no difference what we were doing we ALWAYS had a good time! Memories? We made a lot of them! There were so many and ALL good and there is not a lot of people who can say that! I could spend all day telling tales of our adventures! I know how hard the family must be taking this! Probably about as hard as me because he was a special presence on this earth. No one was more TRUE, JUST and HONEST than him to me and I guess that why I had so much love and respect for the guy! He was sometimes TOO HONEST and would believe anything you told him such as the time He loaned me the 73 Benz(I had to be special to him for him to loan me that car) to go about 50 miles north of the Dells. I called him up and he answered the phone in the usual "Hey Buddy" and I said Do you want me to take the car home or to the dealership? He said just come to the dealership. I said " Well you need to put it inside since it has no glass in it!" He said "NO GLASS" I said well clutch you always told me how this old car would fly , so when I got back 94 I checked her out and a guy cut me off doin about 140 and I ramped the median only problem is when I went airborn the car went upsidedown and landed on its top, BUT I'M OK. I have it on a rollback coming your way, and we will be there in a short. Its a wonder he didnt beat me with a poolstick over that one! He did make me buy supper at Smokey Jons BBQ that night though! He was a class guy and even though in the past few years we have not communicated face to face like we did before, It was always a great time on the phone when we did and it was a long conversation. In his last E-mail on Feb.15th It just did not register with me that my Good friend time was about up, even though as I went back and read it again this morning I just didn"t pick it up because of him being the eternal Optimist! I Know god has the best right hand now he will ever have
! Your Pal with much sorrow Sonny
Ken Hofmaster
left a message on March 10, 2015:
Clutch was a terrific mentor to me. What he taught me was invaluable and made me a better salesman and more importantly, a better person. His love of life was inspiring to me and no doubt many others. He will live on in memories and good deeds.
Wendy Garthwaite
left a message on March 10, 2015:
Mike was an amazing man and you only have to read the memories in this tribute to see how important and incredible he was to this world and those who had the pleasure to know him. I am so glad I was one of these people. Mike I will think of you fondly when I play the lottery, bowl for kids sake and play my luck in a raffle for a good cause. You will be missed. My sympathies to his family and lovely companion Janell. My love to you all!
Jim Glessner
left a message on March 10, 2015:
"Clutch" was one of a kind! On behalf of the Kiwanis Club of Monroe, WI, our members mourn his passing. Mike visited our club several times, and received a 'service' award from us. Mike's father, Dale, was a Middleton Kiwanian, but was also an honorary member of the Monroe Club. After Dale passed, Mike undertook selling Monroe Kiwanis candy (as his father had done) in the Madison and Sun Prairie area and was one of our club's top sellers!
Mike will be missed greatly (not because of his sales efforts) but because he was just an all-around GOOD human being.
Janell and family, you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Suzanne Rombalski
left a message on March 9, 2015:
So sorry for your loss, it was a honor to be able to work with Mike and get to
know and spend time with everyone during your time in Plover. It was so nice
to touch base with him a week ago, my sympathy to everyone.
Sue
Tim Mason Susie Roberts
left a message on March 9, 2015:
Mike you will be sadly missed.
Our hearts go out to family and friends.
Dennis Petzke
left a message on March 9, 2015:
Mike was a friend and a co-worker. He had a nature ability to sell which I wish we could clone and pass on. Mike was a pleasure to be around and we will always remember him that way.
Diane Venden
left a message on March 9, 2015:
Clutch was a character...someone who usually won an argument, someone who could give the best hugs. He knew who he was and defended what he believed in always. He truly cared for his friends and his family was his pride and joy. His relationship with his daughter Sarah was one to be envied--they were closer than any father-daughter I'd ever met. Their love was palpable. God bless you all as you grieve the loss of this fine man...we all have lost. We are all blessed to have known Clutch! Di
Cheryl Skoug
left a message on March 9, 2015:
Clutch was one of a kind! He always looked out for everyone and could put a smile on your face! He will be deeply missed, and I am proud to have been a member of the "Crew." When I am in Ireland, I will say a special prayer for him!
John Wischhoff
left a message on March 9, 2015:
I worked with Mike for 15 years at Peterbilt & he was an important part of the team. The best word I can think of for Mike is RESPECT. Great guy, good friend & yes, there were some fun times.
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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John Maestrelli
left a message on March 24, 2015:
Clutch and I had similar interests; we were both fans of old cars, he had his beloved Mercedes and I had my 58 Corvette. We also had a friendly rivalry on the Sun Prairie Golf Course where we both played in the same golf league. We were also members of the Lions Club.
Clutch was a good friend and I will miss him.
John Maestrelli
Carla Ziegler Blomgren
left a message on March 12, 2015:
Mike was a wonderful man that I'm proud to say he was my friend. Always took the time to talk & tell a story or joke. He will be greatly missed. I'm sorry that I won't be able to make the service become I am out of town, but my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Bob Fox
left a message on March 11, 2015:
Worked with Mike at Wisconsin Kenworth, and knew him several years before that, just a couple of used truck guys trying to do their thing. Great guy, and will not only be missed by all the people he knew and his co-workers, but also his many, many customers that he took care of. The consummate salesperson, gone too soon. Being 1/2 Irish, this was one of Mom's favorite; "May you be in heaven a full half hour before the Devils knows your dead" . Probably trying to sell something to someone in heaven right now.
Really good knowing you Mike
Tim Johnson
left a message on March 11, 2015:
Clutch was sure one of a kind and a great man. Some of the memories that will last a long time will be around the Crazy Legs in Madison. So many followers due to him being the organizer for Clutch Crew. I member a few years back starting out the race in this mass of people and about a half mile into the walk I ran across Mike and Janell walking together HOLDING HANDS:). Shocked was a fair response as it was the first time I realized they were a couple and although I was in the dark prior to that, could sure see the strong love that grew quickly after that.
Pam and Bill Lewis
left a message on March 11, 2015:
Bill has such fond memories of Clutch and him working together at the truck stop years ago. They had such a good time together and he remembers them going to Shakey's after work for a beer and pizza.
And I remember him dressing up as Santa every year. He always gave out candy canes and mine was always broken. So one year he put a whole candy cane in a plastic case surrounded by cotton and gave it to me. And i still have it and bring it out every year around the holidays! He was a wonderful guy and will truly be missed. Pam and Bill Lewis
Kathy Lemon Linden
left a message on March 11, 2015:
So sorry to hear of the passing of Clutch. I didn't know clutch that well but I do know he was my brothers best friend. Mike spoke of clutch often to me and I know they were great buddies. I know this time is hard but I believe they will be together again in heaven. Now they can golf and play pool like old times. I know Mike will be waiting to meet him at the gates so he will not be alone. I will be praying for the family in this time of sorrow. Michele, I know how you feel losing your brother, saying lots of prayer for you too.....
love, Kathy
Joy Reininger
left a message on March 10, 2015:
I've known Mike from family get togethers at Mark & Amy's. He will be missed. My condolences to the McCutcheon families.
Joy Reininger
Sun Prairie
Jim "Jake" Tomlin
left a message on March 10, 2015:
Mike knew no stranger's. He had an uncanny ability to remember everyone he ever crossed paths with, and was always willing to help anyone. The world was a much better place with him in it. There are no answers as to why he had to go, I'm sure heaven will be a better place and much more festive now that he's there.As I was telling someone about him today, the best I could some it up with is that it will be very hard to replace him in this world. My condolences to the family.
Dave Holappa
left a message on March 10, 2015:
Great times with Clutch. SPWC, bowling league, pool league, golf league, work and the many St. Patrick's Days (just to name a few). He loved life! Chris and I loved him and will miss him greatly.
Dona (Mrs. Al) Deininger
left a message on March 10, 2015:
Our daughter, Kathy Lukens, (of Sun Prairie) just informed me of Mike's death and I want to give my condolences to all of Mike's family--most especially his siblings whom Al and I knew so well when we lived in Madison, WI. Rose and Dale were Al's and my very closest and dear friends and I can see a little of each in the picture of Mike. Reading Mike's obituary I recognize, also, his inherited qualities: Rose's compassion; Dale's humor and ability to "sell".
Sympathies from our family to yours. Dona (Mrs. Al) Deininger
Maria & Randy Brandt
left a message on March 10, 2015:
When you hear the thunder begin to rumble, smile and raise a glass to the Heavens. Peel is racking up the balls and Mike is getting ready to run the table.
Always a great friend and inspiration in the love and generosity he shared, the man knew how to make a difference.
This world was richer while he was here and he will be deeply missed.
sonny Kendall
left a message on March 10, 2015:
Clutch and I were Fast friends. It makes no difference what we were doing we ALWAYS had a good time! Memories? We made a lot of them! There were so many and ALL good and there is not a lot of people who can say that! I could spend all day telling tales of our adventures! I know how hard the family must be taking this! Probably about as hard as me because he was a special presence on this earth. No one was more TRUE, JUST and HONEST than him to me and I guess that why I had so much love and respect for the guy! He was sometimes TOO HONEST and would believe anything you told him such as the time He loaned me the 73 Benz(I had to be special to him for him to loan me that car) to go about 50 miles north of the Dells. I called him up and he answered the phone in the usual "Hey Buddy" and I said Do you want me to take the car home or to the dealership? He said just come to the dealership. I said " Well you need to put it inside since it has no glass in it!" He said "NO GLASS" I said well clutch you always told me how this old car would fly , so when I got back 94 I checked her out and a guy cut me off doin about 140 and I ramped the median only problem is when I went airborn the car went upsidedown and landed on its top, BUT I'M OK. I have it on a rollback coming your way, and we will be there in a short. Its a wonder he didnt beat me with a poolstick over that one! He did make me buy supper at Smokey Jons BBQ that night though! He was a class guy and even though in the past few years we have not communicated face to face like we did before, It was always a great time on the phone when we did and it was a long conversation. In his last E-mail on Feb.15th It just did not register with me that my Good friend time was about up, even though as I went back and read it again this morning I just didn"t pick it up because of him being the eternal Optimist! I Know god has the best right hand now he will ever have
! Your Pal with much sorrow Sonny
Ken Hofmaster
left a message on March 10, 2015:
Clutch was a terrific mentor to me. What he taught me was invaluable and made me a better salesman and more importantly, a better person. His love of life was inspiring to me and no doubt many others. He will live on in memories and good deeds.
Wendy Garthwaite
left a message on March 10, 2015:
Mike was an amazing man and you only have to read the memories in this tribute to see how important and incredible he was to this world and those who had the pleasure to know him. I am so glad I was one of these people. Mike I will think of you fondly when I play the lottery, bowl for kids sake and play my luck in a raffle for a good cause. You will be missed. My sympathies to his family and lovely companion Janell. My love to you all!
Jim Glessner
left a message on March 10, 2015:
"Clutch" was one of a kind! On behalf of the Kiwanis Club of Monroe, WI, our members mourn his passing. Mike visited our club several times, and received a 'service' award from us. Mike's father, Dale, was a Middleton Kiwanian, but was also an honorary member of the Monroe Club. After Dale passed, Mike undertook selling Monroe Kiwanis candy (as his father had done) in the Madison and Sun Prairie area and was one of our club's top sellers!
Mike will be missed greatly (not because of his sales efforts) but because he was just an all-around GOOD human being.
Janell and family, you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Suzanne Rombalski
left a message on March 9, 2015:
So sorry for your loss, it was a honor to be able to work with Mike and get to
know and spend time with everyone during your time in Plover. It was so nice
to touch base with him a week ago, my sympathy to everyone.
Sue
Tim Mason Susie Roberts
left a message on March 9, 2015:
Mike you will be sadly missed.
Our hearts go out to family and friends.
Dennis Petzke
left a message on March 9, 2015:
Mike was a friend and a co-worker. He had a nature ability to sell which I wish we could clone and pass on. Mike was a pleasure to be around and we will always remember him that way.
Diane Venden
left a message on March 9, 2015:
Clutch was a character...someone who usually won an argument, someone who could give the best hugs. He knew who he was and defended what he believed in always. He truly cared for his friends and his family was his pride and joy. His relationship with his daughter Sarah was one to be envied--they were closer than any father-daughter I'd ever met. Their love was palpable. God bless you all as you grieve the loss of this fine man...we all have lost. We are all blessed to have known Clutch! Di
Cheryl Skoug
left a message on March 9, 2015:
Clutch was one of a kind! He always looked out for everyone and could put a smile on your face! He will be deeply missed, and I am proud to have been a member of the "Crew." When I am in Ireland, I will say a special prayer for him!
John Wischhoff
left a message on March 9, 2015:
I worked with Mike for 15 years at Peterbilt & he was an important part of the team. The best word I can think of for Mike is RESPECT. Great guy, good friend & yes, there were some fun times.
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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