Dr. James R. Hutchinson

Dr. James R. Hutchinson, 91, passed away Sunday, March 1, 2015 at St. Luke’s Hospice Care Center.

Hutch, as he was fondly called, was born in Sheboygan WI on August 4, 1923 and grew up in Oshkosh, WI. He joined the United States Army when he was nineteen and served four years in the Philippines, New Guinea, and Japan.

When he returned from military service he attended the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and went on to graduate from Marquette University School of Dentistry in 1952. In 1949 he married his college sweetheart Dolores (Lorrie) Hertel and in August 2014 they celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary.

Hutch practiced dentistry in Waupaca WI and then moved to Superior in 1954 to practice in the dental office of Dr. H.D. Callaway. Hutch was a member of the Wisconsin Dental Association, where he served as Trustee and on the Dental Insurance Committee. He was also an active member of the Northern Wisconsin Dental Society and was presented the President’s Award of Honor in 1998 for his outstanding contribution to the dental profession.

Hutch was a longstanding member of the Kiwanis Club. He served as Lieutenant Governor of the Northern Wisconsin District, travelling to the other local clubs and was President of both the East End and Downtown Clubs. He was an active volunteer working at the pancake breakfasts and the tree planting project on Highway 2. In 1998 he received the distinguished recognition as a George F. Hixson Fellow and was enrolled in the Legion of Honor for 50 years of service.

He was a member of the Superior Elks Club, the Douglas County YMCA, and the East End ROMEOs.

Hutch was preceded in death by his parents, Esther and Archibald Hutchinson, his sister and brother-in-law, Sue and Arlow Bartelt, his in-laws, Mary and Bob Wilmes, Marge Conner, Barbara Hertel and Ralph Hertel.

He is survived by his wife, Lorrie and four children: Dick (Nancy) Hutchinson, Poplar WI, Sister Agnese (Nancy) Assisi, Italy, Bill (Cheryl) Hutchinson, Eau Claire WI and Jane (Jons) Besch, Houston TX. He is also survived by four wonderful grandchildren: Laura and Eric Hutchinson and Kirstyn and Ryan Besch. He is also survived by in-laws: Dick (Betsy) Conner, Jim (Kay) Hertel, Bill Hertel and Art (Mara) Hertel.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 6 at St. Francis Xavier Church in Superior. Visitation will be at 10:00 a.m. with the Mass of Christian burial at 11:00 a.m. with Fr. James Tobolski as celebrant.

Inurnment will be in St. Francis Cemetery where military honors will be accorded by the Rickhard I. Bong American Legion Post N. 435 Honor Guard.

Lenroot-Meetzold Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to The St. Luke’s Homecare and St. Luke’s Hospice Programs, The St. Francis Elevator Fund, or the Salvation Army.

Send a condolence or sign the online guest book at www.lenroot-maetzold.com.