The Rev. Dale Kuck

The Rev. Dale G. Kuck, age 90, of Merrill, Wis., entered into eternal life on Monday, March 8, 2021, in Grafton, Wis. One of the most selfless and generous men you could ever meet, he was a model husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend and community leader.

Dale was born on Dec. 28, 1930, in New Knoxville, Ohio, to Gustave and Ruth Kuck.

He married Jacqueline H. Ramm on July 18, 1953, in Sheboygan, Wis., which started a 68-year-long romance and adventure. They spent over 55 years enjoying the Merrill community in which they raised a family and built their careers.  

After graduation from Lakeland University, Dale attended United Theological Seminary and graduated with a bachelor of divinity degree and was ordained in June 1956, thus began his ministry. He then attended Princeton Theological Seminary and earned a master’s degree in theology in 1960.

The couple then moved to Milwaukee, where Dale served a new congregation, St. Mark, until January 1965. He was called to be the senior minister of St. Stephens United Church of Christ, Merrill, Wis., which he served for 31 years, retiring on Christmas Eve 1995.

Dale was passionate about his work and St. Stephen’s United Church of Christ.  He enjoyed leading the congregation and teaching us how the word of God can inspire and strengthen us.

He was also active in the Merrill community, serving as president of the Chamber of Commerce, president of the board of directors for Good Samaritan Hospital and president of Merrill’s United Way. Dale was especially concerned with fighting hunger in our community and spent over 15 years managing the Merrill Food Pantry.

Dale enjoyed supporting the mission of Rotary International and the close friendships that he developed as a member. He received the Paul Harris award for his years of outstanding contributions.

Dale also supported various international missions and relief initiatives to improve our global community’s health and safety.  

Dale and Jackie enjoyed traveling and were fortunate to visit 35 foreign counties, all 50 states and many Caribbean islands together.

Dale is survived by his wife Jacqueline H. Kuck; two sons, Kevin (Kathy) Kuck of Sanibel, Fla., and Kraig (Sheila) Kuck of Port Washington, Wis.; five grandchildren, Justin, Kimberly, Kraig, Joshua and Jordan; and three great-grandchildren, Clara, Audrey, and Luna.

Dale was preceded in death by his parents Gustave and Ruth Kuck: a sister, Grace Henschen, and a brother, Adrian Kuck, all of New Knoxville, Ohio.

The funeral service for Dale was held on Monday, March 15, 2021, at 11:30 a.m. at St. Stephens United Church of Christ in Merrill. Pastor Mike Southcombe and Mary Jo Laabs co-officiated.  

Visitation was held on Monday, March 15, 2021, from 8:30 a.m. until the service, also at the church.

Burial followed in the Merrill Memorial Park Cemetery.

For those who were unable to attend, a video of the service on the funeral home website under Dale’s obituary.

Memorial funds are being established for St. Stephen’s United Church and the Merrill Community Food Pantry.

 Waid Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Merrill assisted the family with arrangements. Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.