HIGHMORE, SD – Royal (Shorty) Kutz, 94, of Highmore, passed away Tuesday, October 29, 2024, at Highmore Health, with his family at his side, after a series of illnesses.

Funeral service with military honors will be 10:30 a.m., Saturday, November 2, 2024, at Our Savior Lutheran Church, Highmore, with Rev. David Peterson officiating. Burial will be at the Highmore Cemetery, at a later date. Visitation will begin at 6:00 p.m., followed by a 7:00 p.m. prayer service, Friday, November 1, 2024, all at the church.

Royal Edwin Kutz (Shorty) was born on June 14, 1930, in Highmore, S.D. at the Sammons Maturity Home to parents Otto William and Ruth Marie (Traver) Kutz. Shorty attended Hyde County Rural School (Illinois) and lived his whole life in Hyde County. Shorty married Lavonne A. Dalton on January 27, 1955, at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Highmore, S.D. Shorty worked for Frank Hawkins Construction for nine years and then he purchased the company in 1963 and changed the name to Kutz Construction. He built three homes for his family and many homes and buildings in Highmore and the Hyde County area.

In his early years, Shorty spent his waking hours working. In his later years, he enjoyed his yard, garden, and beautiful gladiolus. His love for gladiolus came from his mom. Shorty took pride in all his many vehicles and keeping them clean was a must. One of his most prized new vehicles was a convertible, yellow Corvette which he shared with everyone who showed interest in it. When LaVonne did daycare, he became Grandpa Shorty to many children in this area. It wasn’t uncommon to see him with several children following behind and all of them getting into mischief, but when it was time to behave, they all loved him enough to listen. Shorty decided he enjoyed cooking and spent several hours on Fridays preparing a huge meal for friends and family. His world famous chocolate cake with caramel frosting was loved by many. Lifelong friendships were developed at his tables followed by a game of cards. Shorty served his country in the Korean War as a soldier in the Marine Corps for two years. He was a driver for a Marine Colonel. He kept in touch with special friends from his service. He then was a member of the American Legion.

Shorty is survived by his wife, LaVonne of almost 70 years; son, Steven Kutz of Highmore; daughter, Sheila (Rex) Gregg of Sioux Falls; daughter, Lori (Jeff) Ellsworth of Macs Corner; grandchildren: Matt (Kassie) Kutz, Adam (Jessica) Kutz, Brandy (Don) Skovly, Mary (Mike) McGillivray, TJ (Melanie) Ellsworth, Tyrel (Lacey) Ellsworth, and Desa (Kyle) Clement.; seventeen and almost eighteen great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law: Marilyn Kutz, and Grace (Darold) Heckenlaible; and brother-in-law, Marvin (Barb) Dalton.

Shorty was preceded in death by his parents, Otto and Ruth; seven brothers: Carl, Richard, Harold, John, Don, Dale, and Myron; six sisters-in-law; one brother-in-law; and parents-in-law, Harley and Esther Dalton.

Luze Funeral Home of Highmore has been entrusted with Shorty’s arrangements.

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