Theresa Pauline (Cutter) Hasser

Beautiful Theresa Pauline (Cutter) Hasser, 96, left this world peacefully in the arms of her loving children, Kathy Hasser Oehler and Steve Hasser, on Tuesday August 6, 2024 in her home in Jacksonville, Fl. She joyfully entered heaven and into the arms of our Lord, her husband George, son Mike, granddaughters Emily and Korin, and other heavenly family and friends.

Theresa was born at home in Dunnington, Indiana on May 3, 1928 to Franklin and Eleanor (Cook) Cutter. She was the ninth of 12 children all deceased: Leonard, Edward, Willard, Bertha, Lee, Dorothy, Ann, Leona, Frances, Pat, and Barbara. Theresa attended Dunnington Catholic Grade School and was a cheerleader at Freeland Park High School.

After high school, she followed her dream to go to nurses training at St. Elizabeth’s in Lafayette. She then met George “Frenchie” Hasser, the love of her life. They married on January 5, 1948. At that time, married women could not be in nurses training. So she gave up nursing and she was joyful in her new life as a devoted wife and mother. They had three children, Kathy, Steve, and Mike, and lived on the family farm near Earl Park. She loved farm life with her family — tending to livestock, planting and harvesting crops, having a large garden and orchard. Most of their food came from their farm. They even made wine. They loved playing cards, square dancing, and having fun. Theresa was a great cook and friends and family always left with full stomachs. She had 51 nieces and nephews and she loved welcoming all family and friends.

The family was active in the Catholic Churches both in Earl Park and in Fowler. Theresa participated in Study Club, Eucharistic Ministry, funeral dinners, and weekly Adoration. In her 50s, Theresa became an EMT. She was proud to be one of the first volunteers for Benton County Ambulance Service and a volunteer for Pre-Olympic Games. She also became a Hospice volunteer, not afraid of talking about God and dying.

After handing the reins of the farm to their son Mike, Theresa and George built a home in Fowler and enjoyed traveling and spending winters with friends in Florida. They took up golf and both got holes in one! Theresa learned Bridge and loved the friendly Bridge competition. Sadly, George passed away in 1994. Theresa remained independent, active, and always giving to others. She loved her yard and was still mowing the grass at 93.

After her son Mike unexpectedly passed away, Theresa decided at 93 to move to a lovely Senior Living Facility in Jacksonville, Florida to be near her daughter and her family. She enjoyed being the Bridge champ, winning a chili cookoff, Halloween costume contests, and making new friends. She even helped a Ukrainian woman and her son transition to life in the U.S.

Theresa’s greatest love was her 12 grandchildren, their spouses and her 13 great grandchildren and they all dearly loved her. She loved watching their sports, playing with them, going to events, and enjoying holidays together. The children loved laughing with her and bringing her donuts, her favorite. She treated the whole family to a fabulous family vacation every year. She was the glue of the family.

Theresa was a courageous and strong woman living life to the fullest! She was an incredible role model, inspiring, smart, never complaining, great sense of humor and brought joy to all. She was a great mom, grandma, GIGi, and friend. The Queen Bee always helping others and encouraging peace and forgiveness, she was loving to all no matter the situation.

In her last weeks, she traveled to Indiana to see her home, friends, and family one last time. Others came to see her in Florida. She received last rites and she said she was ready to go be with The Lord and her loved ones in heaven, “AMEN” she would always say when she didn’t want any rebuttal. She will be dearly missed and she will continue to be our angel looking over us until we meet again. Theresa was a gift that will impact us forever.

Visitation will be held Saturday, August 31,2024 from 9-11 am at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Earl Park followed by Funeral Mass at 11am, committal immediately after at St. John the Baptist Cemetery, Earl Park. A lunch will be provided at St. Joseph Catholic Church Hall in Kentland. Memorials may be made to Sacred Heart School.

 Arrangements entrusted to Gerts, Windler & Keller Funeral Homes ~ Fowler Chapel, 506 E. Main St., Fowler, IN 47944. (765) 884-0110 www.kellerfh.com