WAKEFIELD, Mich. - Our hero, our dad, Brian “Kuchie” Kuchinski, 63, of Wakefield, passed away unexpectedly with his loving wife, Monica, by his side on Monday, June 8, 2026.

Brian was born on Aug. 18, 1962, in Iron Mountain, a son of Lee and Elsie (Schjoth) Kuchinski. He was the brother of: Dave (Anne-Marie), Doug (Donna) and Steve (Melissa). Growing up in a house in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, with three brothers was rowdy to say the least. The stories he shared were all humorous and shed light into the character he became.

After graduating high school, he moved back to the Upper Peninsula looking for work and adventure with friends. Working at Indianhead Mountain Ski Resort in Wakefield as a cook provided exactly that. He made countless lifelong friends, and of course, met his better half, the former Monica Kaczmarek. They were married in 1988. Brian not only gained a wife, but a loving family. He had a close relationship with Monica’s siblings: Stanley (Kelly), Andy (Wendy) and Angela (Garth Stengard). The love and commitment he shared with Monica created a strong, close-knit family. He was very proud of his kids: Alexandria (Shane Graves), Zachary (Brook) and Chelsea (Harrison Gall). He was an amazing dad that was always there when you needed him. However, he was also willing to call you a "horse’s a**" if you were beating him in a game, or would accept the praise for a Thanksgiving dinner that Monica prepared all day for his one “award winning” stuffing contribution.

A loving family only grows and so the best dads turn into the greatest grandpas. His pride and joys: Everly, Lawson, Delaney, Callahan, Andi and baby Kuchinski will always know they had the best papa. He will live on through our fond memories and jokes of him with the kids.

Kuchie was a reminder that to be a hero, all you have to do is be kind and caring. He would help anyone and he would always do it with a smile. He was a dedicated volunteer firefighter with more than 35 years of experience. He enjoyed everything about being a part of the department, from helping others, to hanging with the crew. His outgoing personality and gift for conversation was a perfect fit for his career as a salesman at Hautala Distributing in Wakefield, making him a well-known and well-liked member of the community. The Hautala crew became family to him, and he enjoyed his relationships with the businesses and bar owners along his route.

Some of the greatest memories were made on the north shore of Lake Gogebic in an A-frame cabin with the teacup boat. Brian enjoyed taking naps with the lake breeze coming in the window. He got a kick out of beating his kids (and their spouses) in yard games. He also looked forward to drinking beer and saunas with Jeff, ice fishing with his other wife, JR, and fishing while telling stories with his best friend, Monson. His greatest joy was being out at the lake with his kids and grandkids.

He was the spark that made gatherings memorable, bringing the one-liners that had everyone laughing and of course the beer. We feel the best way to send our dad off is with a movie quote, “Not here for a long time, I’m just here for a good time.”

Out of respect for his wishes, cremation has taken place.

The family will greet relatives and friends on Thursday, June 18, from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m., at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 407 Ascherman Ave., in Wakefield. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Christian Flagstadt, celebrant. Also in attendance will be local firefighters.

Rite of Committal and interment will follow at Lakeside Cemetery in Wakefield.

A reception in celebration of Kuchie’s life will be held at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9084, 107 E. U.S. 2, in Wakefield, immediately upon return from the cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Bessemer Township Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 53, Ramsay, MI 49959, or the Wakefield Volunteer Fire Department, 509 Sunday Lake St., Wakefield, MI 49968.

Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield, is assisting the family with arrangements. To send online condolences or to share a memory, please go to lakesidememorialchapel.com.