Samuel "Bill" Kuchta

Samuel “Bill” William Kuchta of Lake Eshquaguma in Biwabik Township passed away peacefully on January 19, 2015. Bill was born April 16, 1923 in Duluth, MN to Alwin and Amy Kuchta. Following 2 years of Community College, he joined the army for World War II and served in the Phillipines. Afterwards he completed his Civil Engineering degree at Michigan Tech University. He then started his career working as a mining engineer in various iron ore mines on the Iron Range in Minnesota and in Tasmania, Australia. He retired from LTV Mining in Aurora, MN. On May 7, 1960 he married Shirley Hintzen in Belle River, MN. Bill was one of the original founders of Giants Ridge Ski Area. He loved skiing, golfing, hunting and enjoyed spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren, and many friends. He is survived by his sister, Charlotte (Bud) Van Guilder of Duluth, MN; children, Cathy (Steve) Leslie of Denver, CO, Doug (Sue) Kuchta of Rochester, MN and Trish (Ken) Olsen of Lino Lakes, MN; eight grandchildren; two great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife Shirley Hintzen Kuchta, by his sister Betty Simpson and by his parents. A Celebration of Life will be held from 2 - 5pm Friday, January 30, 2015 at the Biwabik Township Hall located at 6555 Oak Drive, Gilbert. Inurnment will be in the Biwabik Township Cemetery. Arrangements by Ziemer-Moeglein-Shatava Funeral Home in Gilbert. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.