Oliver O. Schutte's Obituary
Oliver Oswald Schutte was born on April 3, 1926 in Osseo, MN to Henry and Emma Schutte, the youngest of a sister and four brothers, all of whom have preceded him in death. The family lived in a large Victorian-style farmhouse built in 1865 and designated as a Century Farm by Minnesota.Early education was in the St. John’s Lutheran eight-grade, one-room schoolhouse, followed by graduating four years later from Robbinsdale High School. In 1945 he earned tuition for the University of Minnesota by selling pelts from mink and muskrats he trapped. Realizing the very slim demand for architects, the next year brought a transfer to Concordia Theological Seminary in Springfield, IL.In 1947, Oliver made a Christmas visit to his brother Ted in San Diego, that changed his life. He met Barbara Tucker. One year later he decided to move to California and on June 5, 1949 he and Barbara were married at Grace Lutheran Church in San Diego. Their four children are Sandra (Jim Cole), Rae Marie (David Wiles), David and youngest daughter Connie (Paul Marvin) who passed away after a long illness in 2016.Following Oliver’s desire to make home remodeling and construction his career, he helped his father-in-law build a house for Barbara and him in El Cajon. In 1955, he opened his own business – Modern Kitchens & Construction – which he owned for 34 years. During this time, he was very active in San Diego’s Building Industry Association, serving as President in 1980 and receiving several national awards for excellence in his work.Since 1949, as a committed, active Christian lay-leader, he has had a major part in every construction project at Christ Lutheran Church and School in La Mesa. He sang in the choir for 50 years, served on the Board of Directors and chaired the committee who brought Pastor Burkey to the church.Barbara Schutte passed away in 1993. Somewhat later he married Patricia Von Behren Beach. That brought step-daughters Kathy Beach and Julia Russell, and later son-in-law Tim Russell and step-grandson Tim Russell II into the blended family.Oliver is survived by his wife Patricia, three children and two step-children, seven grandchildren, one step-grandchild and four great-grandchildren.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Christ Lutheran School Tuition Assistance Fund, 7929 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa, CA 91942.
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