Renowned Breese member Kenneth N. Schuetz, 89, passed away on November 20, 2023. Kenneth was born in St. Louis, Missouri, on September 2, 1934, to Gilbert and Thekla (née Blanken) Schuetz. New Baden was his upbringing. Kenneth was well-known in the community for his dedication to his work and passion for dairy farming. From his early farming days, he had a deep affection for the land, Ford automobiles, and John Deere tractors. Kenneth did not grow up on a farm, but he embraced it and worked on the family farm until he was in his mid-80s.
Apart from farming, Kenneth was a strong nationalist. He enlisted in the Army in 1954, serving there until 1956, and then from 1956 to 1962 in the Army Reserves. Ken had a strong commitment to his church and community. He converted to Catholicism as a young age and started going to Beckemeyer’s St. Anthony Catholic Church. He was also involved in Breese Knights of Columbus 2869, Mid-America Dairy Farmers, and the Clinton County Farm Bureau.
Kenneth’s daughter Catherine (Steven) Witaschek of Troy, son Thomas Schuetz of Breese, and grandchildren Zachary, Jacob, and Nicholas Witaschek of Troy survive him after his beloved wife of 59 years, Irene Schuetz, died. His sisters Janet Wulf of Addieville, Diane (Robert) Terveer of Freeburg, Carol Rolves of Albers, sister-in-law Margie (Ron) Huelsmann of Trenton, and many nieces and nephews survive him. Kenneth touched many people’s lives.