Robert K. “Bob” Dutchess, 75, Jasper

Robert K. “Bob” Dutchess, 75, of Jasper, passed away at 11:10 p.m. Tuesday, July 16, 2019, at his home. 

He was born on August 16, 1943, at Massillon, Ohio to Marshall and Jennibelle (Scott) Dutchess. He married Julie Mundy on November 1, 1991, in Nashville, Tennessee. 

Bob worked for Kimball Electronics for many years and then as a financial consultant for Ameriprise in Huntingburg until retirement. After retirement, he drove for Link-N-Go in Jasper for five years. Bob was a gentle, kind, soft-spoken individual who loved his family, the outdoors, and his prized pontoon boat frequently seen cutting thru the Patoka lake currents.

He enthusiastically applauded people and organizations focused on making a positive difference in our community. His philanthropic spirit was felt my many organizations, including the Dubois County Humane Society, Next Act Inc. (Astra), Lincoln Amphitheater, and Will Read and Sing For Food. He also loved supporting others by utilizing his own personal skills, passions and can-do spirit. He helped neighbors with their lawn mowing. He facilitated problem-solving solutions for his family. 

He touched the lives of scores of people during his retirement years as a SIRS Link-N-Go ambassador. He not only made sure the Link-N-Go riders had safe and reliable transportation, but he did so in a refreshingly compassionate manner (he did not know a stranger riding in his van and truly demonstrated empathy for their personal situation).

 He also loved the slots at The French Lick Casino.

Bob adored his faithful dog, Ellie, which he adopted 11 years ago from the Dubois County Humane Society. Ellie remained at Bob’s bedside to the very end—and she misses him dearly. 

He is survived by his wife, Julie Dutchess; daughter, Stacy Dutchess (Steve) Butterfield of Powell, Ohio; two stepchildren, Jennifer Cox Meyer (Kurt) of New Albany and Philip Huddleston (Tina) of Huntingburg; daughter-in-law, Kim Dutchess of N. Augusta, S.C.; grandchildren, Kyle and Nick Butterfield, Mitchell, Lily and Claire Meyer and Scout Huddleston and Emma Dutchess; brother, Wally Dutchess of Alameda, Calif.; sister, Sue Loomis (Larry Buzz) of Bryans Road, Md.

Preceding him in death is one son, Mark Dutchess. 

A Celebration of Life Memorial service will be held 7:00 p.m. Friday, July 26, 2019, at the funeral home. Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, July 26, 2019, at the Becher-Kluesner Downtown Chapel in Jasper. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the Dubois County Humane Society. 

Becher-Kluesner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.