Duane "Dewey" M. Coutts

Duane "Dewey" M. Coutts, a ge 94, formerly of Lake Mills, Wis. passed away on March 21, 2020 at Park River Estates Care Center following a two year residence in Coon Rapids, Minn.

Dewey graduated from Boy’s Technical High School, Milwaukee, Wis. in 1943.  He entered the Army Air Force in 1943 following his high school graduation and served during WWII from 1943-1945.  He was wed to Frances “Fran” Musil on May 20, 1950 at St. Martini’s Lutheran Church in Milwaukee, Wis.  His education continued at the Milwaukee Vocational School, University of Wis. Extension and Milwaukee Institute of Technology specializing in machining, as well as an apprenticeship program at Wisconsin Hydraulic Corp. and Allis Chalmers.

His career with many large corporate entities took him from designing tools, dies, fixtures and gauges, to Time Study, Cost Estimation and Industrial Engineering.  In 1958 he began his 23 year career at Creamery Package later known as APV Crepaco (CP).  During his tenure at CP he was involved in all the daily functions in the foundry at the “North Plant” from data collection and work analysis to floor supervision.  Following his time at CP he worked for Brown and Sharp in North Kingston, RI and Dairy Equipment Corp. in Madison, Wis.

Dewey was involved in the Lake Mills community serving on the board of Trinity Lutheran Church and singing in its choir with his daughter, Carla.  He had also served on the Lake Mills School Finance Advisory Committee and the City of Lake Mills Zoning Board.  He was a member of the American Legion Post #67 of Lake Mills.  This past year he was honored by Jefferson County Lodge #9 for his 50 years of membership in Freemasonry.  He was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason on March 7, 1967 and elevated as a 33rd Degree Master Mason and had served as Worshipful Master of the Lake Mills Lodge.  Dewey was also a member of the Scottish Rite and Knights Templar.  He was a friend of Bill W. and made many dear, lifelong friends through the different AA groups he attended.

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 60 years, Frances “Fran” Coutts; his parents, Wilhelmina “ Mina” and Carl Coutts; Fran’s parents, Marie and Edwin Musil; his sister-in-law and her husband, Florence and Mjr. William Sutton (USA Ret.); nephew, Scott Sutton.

He is survived and will be deeply missed by his daughter and son-in-law, Carla King and Randy of Ramsey, Minn.; sons and daughters-in-law, Jim Coutts and Mickey of San Ramon, Calif., Ken Coutts and Danelle of Golden Valley, Minn.; grandchildren, Heath King and his wife, Anna, Jeremy King, Heather King and her fiancé, Jeremy Hoppe, Jaci King-Clear and her husband, Matt, their sons, Izak, Milo and Jasper, Alexis Coutts, Travis Coutts and his wife, Samantha, their son,Lucas, Ben and Sam Coutts; niece, Laura Thomas and her husband, Tony; great-nephew, Will Sutton; as well as his extended family and many friends.

Our family would like to especially thank the staff at Park River Estates for the care and attention that they gave to Dewey during his time with them.

Because of current circumstances, a private family funeral service will take place in Minneapolis with a private graveside service at Rock Lake Cemetery, Lake Mills, Wis.  A public celebration of his life will take place in Lake Mills at a later date.

Memorials in Dewey’s memory are preferred to your local food shelf, Lake Mills Meals on Wheels or to the donor’s charity of choice.