William John Kautter Sr.

William John Kautter, Sr., 97, passed away peacefully on February 28th, 2026 in Marietta, Georgia. He was born on October 6th, 1928 in West Reading, Pennsylvania to parents William and Gladys (Longlott) Kautter of Reading, Pa. William was proceeded in death by his devoted wife of 74 years Jean (Zerbe) Kautter. They resided most of their lives in Wyomissing Hills, Pa. He will be deeply missed by his son William J. Kautter Jr. and daughter-in-law Carol Kautter of Naples, Florida. He will also be missed by his granddaughters Nicole Melissa Kautter of Decatur, Ga. and Michelle Alison Kautter of Hickory Flat, Georgia and by Nicole’s husband, Brad and Michelle’s fiancé, Jesse. Bill will also be missed by his adoring great-grandchildren Colton and Cruz.

Bill attended Reading High Scholl graduating in 1947. He joined the Army in 1948 and was later assigned to a unit in Fort Stewart, Georgia then attended Artillery and Anti-aircraft School at Fort Bliss, Texas and then on to Radar Operations School at Fort Dix, New Jersey where he helped to select and employ anti-aircraft sights in and around the Philadelphia area. In 1951 he was commissioned to Second Lieutenant and in 1952 sent overseas to serve with the 1st Cavalry Division in Korea and Japan. After active duty he commanded the National Guard units in the Reading area later retiring from the reserves as a Captain.

Bill entered the business community first managing a local independent supermarket, then joining Consolidated Freightways in the sales department before enrolling and graduating from the Hartford Insurance Agents School in Connecticut and later running the Campbell Kautter Insurance Agency in the greater Reading area until his retirement.

Bill enjoyed golf and bowling, traveling to New York City with the Orioles Bowling Team. He was also an active member of The Reading and Heidelberg Country Clubs. He enjoyed music and was a drummer in a jazz trio in the Reading area, but mostly he enjoyed weekends with his wife attending family outings with his brother and cousin. Throughout his life he contributed to the community by serving with the Reading Traffic Club as well as being active with the Sunset Athletic Association which sponsored midget football in the Wyomissing area. Bill was also active in various insurance agency organizations in the Reading and Philadelphia areas.

He is survived by his brother Robert Kautter of the greater Reading Area and his nephews Robert Kautter and Michael Kautter.

Bill’s departure will leave a great void in the lives of his immediate family and friends who are thankful he was able to enjoy life well into his nineties.