Fred Louis Kautt

December 8, 1936 — October 25, 2026

Fred Louis Kautt, 89, of Centerville, Kansas, died on Sunday, October 25, 2026, at his home surrounded by his loving family. Fred was a first generation American, born on December 8, 1936 to German immigrant parents John Jacob and Elsa Irma (Miller) Kautt in Lee's Summit, Missouri.

Fred exhibited a fierce sense of duty to his God, country, and community. Following graduation from high school, Fred enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving as a corporal in Adak, Alaska. He was a photographer for Hallmark Cards, Inc. for 37 years. He is a member of the Professional Photographers Association.

Upon moving back to Linn County after retirement in 1995, Fred was active in county government serving on the Linn County Zoning and Planning Committee for 17 years. He was an active member of the Centerville Community Church. After his retirement from Hallmark, Fred and his wife, Jeannie, spent 20 years growing specialty flowers for the top 10 florists in Kansas City and many local functions.

They also ran a small custom square bale operation. They employed and enjoyed the camaraderie of many local young men over the years. Fred was a dedicated steward of the land. A lover of all things nature, and all things Kansas. For him, the convergence of those two loves were felt most at the farm. He’d welcome anyone that came to the farm by saying “Welcome, to the center of the universe!”

Fred was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother, Johny Kautt.

Survivors include his wife Jeannie Kautt; son Benjamin J. "Ben" Kautt; three daughters, Kelly I. Kautt, Jean M. Kautt, and Jennifer L. Kautt; four grandchildren, Laura, Katherine, Grace, and Monica; and his beloved and loyal dog Macie and cat Buddy.

The family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Friday, October 30, 2026, at Schneider Funeral Home and Cremations, Mound City Chapel. A funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 31, 2026, at Centerville Community Church. Burial will follow in Centerville Cemetery. Friends and family may leave online condolences at www.schneiderfunerals.com.

(Published in the Linn County Journal on October 26, 2026.)