Vincent H. Cutler, 97, of Waterloo, Iowa, died on July 22, 2026–7 hours before his wife of 75 years, Lauretta. Son of John and Gladys (Gindt) Cutler, Vince was a 1946 graduate of Waterloo’s East High where he was an athletic triple threat in football, basketball, and baseball. He met the love of his life, Lauretta Bredow, while dancing the rhumba onstage for the school’s annual Swing Show. After graduation, Vince married Lauretta in 1950.

He worked at Waterloo’s Wonder Bakery and later, Rath Packing Company. After 21 years in the National Guard, he retired with the rank of Lt. Colonel. Vince was active in First Lutheran Church serving as deacon, Sunday School superintendent, and instructor in the Bethel Bible ministry. Later, he was active in Westminster Presbyterian Church, singing in the choir and “debating” in Sunday School. He used every opportunity, in season and out, to tell others about Jesus. In his final years his work with the Gideons helped share Bibles throughout the world, while his earlier work with the Boy Scouts helped 5 to reach Eagle status.

Throughout his life, Vince loved hunting, fishing, coffee, and cribbage. And Lauretta. He really loved Lauretta. And the Lord. He really, really loved the Lord. Vince is survived by children Leesa (Adrian) Talbot of Cedar Falls, Jamie (Leslie) Cutler of Waterloo, Andy (Tracy) Cutler of Omaha, Laurie (Chris) Schafer of Traer, 11 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, and sister Judy of Grundy Center He was preceded in death by an infant daughter and siblings Carol and Johnny. We love you, and we’re proud of you Dad. Well done, good and faithful servant.

An open house will be held on Sunday, Sept 20, from 2-4pm at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Waterloo. Memorials may be directed to the Gideons or Unity Point Hospice.