Darlene “Flit” Germain Kuchler passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and friends on December 29, 2024 at the age of 86.
Darlene was born on October 20th, 1938 in Lemmon, South Dakota to Ellen Marie and John Weightman. She met Leroy Kuchler in Kellogg Idaho while he was being moved to Butte from the Kellogg Idaho area and they were married in the spring of 1954. As he worked in the mines, she started raising the first of four children. She began working at the St. James Hospital in the kitchen and then as a custodian at North Central Junior High where Sister Charles Marie and Sister Anita called her a blessing. She worked evenings
as a bartender for Erv at the Helsinki bar in Finn town and also at the Sportsman Bar on Main Street, where she provided her renowned chili to her friends at the end of each month. She was extremely proud of her brothers’ and sons’ service to their country and loved her grandchildren and her time spent with them. Ill health slowed down her body the last few years but not her mind. She kept her healthcare staffers on their toes and was blessed with extraordinary caregivers, including her sons, who continued to care for her up until her last breath.
She is preceded in death by six brothers, Jack, Gene, Mooney, Walter, Robert “Bud”, Tommy Weightman; and sisters, Eileen Thatcher, Gracie Gillette, Francis Martinez, Chuckie Bourguard.
She is survived by a sister, Bootie Brill; a brother, Donnie Jones; her sons, Craig Kuchler, Darrell Kuchler, and Ken Kuchler; daughter, Melody Kuchler and their spouses, Annie Kuchler and Chris Schiebe; grandchildren, Layla Hines, Kristopher Kuchler, Kelsey Denham, Karen Murray, Kelly Wright, Jodi Powell, Kenny Kuchler and Kayla Kuchler; and several great grandchildren.
She will be missed and forever in our hearts.
A Special thank you to Stacy, Tasha, Kenzie, Wendy, Robin, Paula and Avery from Trek Home Care and also Axelson Funeral Services. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Judes Children’s Hospital.
Visitation will be held at 10 am on Sat., January 11, at St. Anne’s Catholic Church, 2100 Faragut Ave., Butte, with Funeral Mass following at 11 am and reception to follow at the East Side Athletic Club, 3200 Dexter St., Butte.
Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Darlene.
Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Darlene and her family.
Service Schedule
Visitation
10:00 am
Saturday January 11, 2025
St. Ann's Catholic Church
2100 Farragut Ave
Butte, MT 59701
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m.
Saturday January 11, 2025
St. Ann's Catholic Church
2100 Farragut Ave
Butte, MT 59701
Reception
Immediately Following
Saturday January 11, 2025
East Side Athletic Club
3200 Dexter Ave.
Butte, Montana 59701
Service Schedule
Visitation
10:00 am
Saturday January 11, 2025
St. Ann's Catholic Church
2100 Farragut Ave
Butte, MT 59701
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m.
Saturday January 11, 2025
St. Ann's Catholic Church
2100 Farragut Ave
Butte, MT 59701
Reception
Immediately Following
Saturday January 11, 2025
East Side Athletic Club
3200 Dexter Ave.
Butte, Montana 59701
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Lavern and Monica Flood says
We’re thinking of you during this time.We will keep you and your family in our prayers.
Don & Carole Meltzer says
Do sorry to hear of your loss. Thoughts and prayers.
Jaime Butler Hill says
Words can’t begin to express my conolences as she was a beautiful gift from GOD for both nyself and my mom, Darcene Butler. God bless your family during this time. She has ALWAYS been an angel of LIGHT!!!!
Jacqueline Meek says
So many memories of this beautiful person, inside and out. I’ve known her for at least 41 years. I loved this woman with all my heart, and I know she loved me. I met her through my very dear friend, Ken, her son. We have been in touch ever since I met her. She will be greatly missed. What a beautiful, kind soul. Hugs and prayers to her family. I’ll be there in spirit. Rest in Peace Darlene. I love you always! Your dear friend, Jackie Meek
Bootie Brill To my Sister says
My mind still talks to you My Heart still looks for but my soul knows you re at peace I miss you every single day, my heart is broken,
Sister Anita Sullivan says
Indeed, Darlene was a blessing, not only as I remember her at North Central School but the care she had for all she met. A wonderful mother and friend to her children. I remember her well. Glad I’ve been in touch with Ken. My prayers and sympathy to Darlene’s family.
Janice Clark Muniz says
My love & prayers to all the Kuchler Family, Flit was such an amazing, free spirited and loving lady. May her memories hold dear in your hearts. ((((hugs)))) Rest in peace Flit, give Gracie a hug for me.
Janice Clark Muniz
Ramona Jones says
Flit had such a strong spirit. She was loved and will always hold a special place in our hearts. Special memories will remain in our hearts. You will be missed but never forgotten. Till we meet again.