Joseph R. "Joe" Schutte

Joseph R. “Joe” Schutte, age 85, of New Vienna, passed away peacefully Sunday, August 15, 2021 at his home with his family by his side.  He was born December 8, 1935 in Springfield, Ohio the son of the late Joseph Franklin and Marilee (Palmer) Schutte.  Joe was a faithful member of St. Columbkille Catholic Church in Wilmington; a veteran of the U.S. Naval Reserve; and member of the New Vienna Life Squad for 3 years.   As a young man at the age of 15, he started working as a “bagboy” at the A+P Grocery in Springfield.  He worked in the grocery business until he retired at age 56 from Great Scot in Hillsboro as Produce Manager.  During his working years, Joe worked 2 to 3 jobs to provide for his family.  Among his many interests were, gardening and flowers.  Joe loved working with a shovel, and was proclaimed by his family to be “born to dig”.   He enjoyed designing and making leaded stained-glass windows and fixtures; and refinishing antique furniture. Joe was a “Jack of all Trades”.  He loved traveling with family and friends.   Joe was a graduate of Springfield High School, where he met and married his High School Sweetheart, the former Carol Lee Armstrong, on August 13, 1955, who preceded him on November 9, 2011.  Joe is survived by five children, Mike (Valerie) Schutte of New Vienna, John A. Schutte of Blanchester, Jim (Susan) Schutte of Wilmington, Linda (Dean) Ruble of New Vienna, and Joseph R. Schutte, Jr. of New Vienna; 15 grandchildren; 29 great grandchildren; 7 great great grandchildren; and brother Roger Schutte of Springfield.  In addition to his parents and wife, Joe is preceded in death by son Richard A. Schutte; sister Jaclyn Matthers; and stillborn sister MaryAnn Schutte.  Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. Friday, August 20, 2021 at Brown Funeral Home, Wilmington.  Deacon Bob Baker of St. Columbkille Catholic Church will officiate.  Burial will follow in the New Vienna I.O.O.F. Cemetery.  Visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. until the time of service at 2:00 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.  Memorial contributions are directed to New Vienna Planning Committee/ Community Center, P.O. Box 110, 12 Main Street, New Vienna, Ohio 45159; or Clinton-Highland Fire and E.M.S. Association, P.O. 25, 676 W. Main Street, New Vienna, Ohio 45159, or the St. Vincent DePaul/St. Columbkille, 73 N. Mulberry Street, Wilmington, Ohio 45177.  To leave an on-line condolence, please visit www.arehart-brown.com, or see our Facebook page, Brown Funeral home. 

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