Les LeeRay Kutzler

God hath not promised skies always blue, flower strewn pathways all our lives through, God hath not promised sun without rain, joy without sorrow, peace without pain, but God has promised strength for the day, rest for the labor, light for the way, grace for the trials, help from above, unfailing sympathy, undying love. – Annie Johnson Flint

God’s angels called home our dear Les LeeRay Kutzler on September 5, 2021, at 5:20pm surrounded by family after a lengthy battle with pneumonia. Les was born on October 17, 1948, in Glendive, Montana to Les and Daisy Kutzler, the oldest of 5 children.

His fondest memories were of his grandparent’s home where his grandpa Harry Kutzler, a retired dairy farmer, raised buffalo as a hobby. He reminisced of saddle bronc riding and square dancing on horses for the celebration of the Montana Territorial Centennial in 1964. Les had a passion for his many western novels and some would say he was the biggest John Wayne fan around.

He enlisted in the US Marine Corps at age 17 and served two tours in Vietnam. Les turned 18 years old on a plane headed to a foreign country where he didn’t speak the language, didn’t know what to expect or didn’t know what difficulties lay ahead. His service gave him a strong sense of loyalty and love for his country. He never stopped caring deeply for his brothers in arms. Les kept in close contact with a fellow Marine, Steve Gaydos. Everything he did was for the love of doing what he thought was right.

Les struggled after returning from the war until he met and married the love of his life Diana (Hein) on April 17, 1971. They welcomed their son, John LeeRay on September 1, 1972. He felt a strong and special bond with his father-in-law, Milton Hein, a fellow Marine.

Les worked for Salt Creek Freightways, delivering goods throughout the city of Billings. He participated in many semi-truck rodeos, where he received many awards for his competition. Les was hired in 1985 as a city bus driver for the City of Billings MET Transit. He found a passion to compete in bus rodeos, as he had previously with semi-trucks. He earned enough first place awards to compete in the national competition in Chicago.

His strength, determination, positive attitude, kind heart, generosity, and sense of humor make all those who met and knew him to love him and make them want to be a better person. Les was joking right up to the end of his ability to speak. Through all his time in war, in illness and in pain he never lost his strength, determination and his joyfulness. It is hard to say “Goodbye” to this very special man, but his soul remains. Knowing his last wishes were honored brings his family comfort. Les’s remains will stay with Diana, upon her passing he will be placed in her arms where they will be together until the end of time.

Less was preceded in death by his father Leslie (Les) Kutzler, mother Daisy Kutzler, nephew Richard (Richie) Kutzler, sister-in-law Leslie Jo Kutzler, and brother-in-law Larry Merkel. Les is survived by his wife of 50 years Diana Kutzler, son John (Darcy) Kutzler, granddaughters Kylee Kutzler, Kacee Cady and Shae Cady, great grandson Kashton, brothers David (Kary) Kutzler, Daryl (Sue) Kutzler, sisters Gaylene Jones, and Sarah Merkel, and multiple nieces and nephews.

The family would like to offer a special thanks to nurses and caregivers of Beartooth Manor of Columbus MT, and the doctors and nurses of Billings Clinic, Billings MT.

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