Obituaries

In Memory Of

Herman W. "Hank" Lutz

February 17, 1922 - February 6, 2017


Visitation:
Monday, February 13th, 2017 - 9:30am to 10:30am
St. Bernard - St. Hedwig Catholic Church
111 North Church Street
Thorp, WI  54771

Services:
Monday, February 13th, 2017 - 10:30am
St. Bernard - St. Hedwig Catholic Church
111 North Church Street
Thorp, WI  54771

Full Obituary

     Herman William Lutz, age 94, of Thorp, WI, passed away at Oakbrook Health & Rehab, in Thorp, on Monday, February 6, 2017.  He was born on February 17, 1922 in Owen, WI, the son of Herman and Anna (Bruchert) Lutz.  Hank was raised and received his education in the Owen area, graduating from Owen High School in 1941.  On May 16, 1948, he married Elaine D. Smigaj at St. Hedwig's Catholic Church in the Town of Withee.  He received a medical discharge from the US Navy in 1947 before seeing any military action.  Herman was employed his entire working career at the Foremost Blue Moon Cheese Company in Thorp as a lab technician. He also assisted labs at other Foremost plants. During this time the company received many awards for their delicious Port du Salute and Bleu Cheese products.   
     His love of sports spanned the years. He was an outstanding high school basketball, football and ping pong player. As an adult he was on the "City Team" for basketball, a fast pitch softball pitcher, a softball umpire, a basketball referee and a coach for the boys elementary school basketball team.  Herman's favorite was always golf though.  In his seventies, he made his first hole in one at the Meadowview Country Club Golf Course in Owen.  He enjoyed the company of his golf buddies at many tournaments and weekly matches all over the area.  His talents have been passed down to his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, who also excelled at many sports activities.
     He and Elaine were full of fun and fond of dressing up for Halloween with Harry and Margie Badzinski.  They always came up with new and amazing costumes every year.
     Herman is survived by two daughters:  Linda (James) Bosinske of Ludington,  Susan (Ken) Koltis of Withee;  two sons:  Steven (Jill) of Denver, CO,  David Lutz of Thorp;  grandson: Lucas (Corinna) Bosinske;  granddaughters:  Alecia (Eric) Acker, Elizabeth and Sophia Lutz; great granddaughters:  Quinnlan and Kierstyn Acker; and great grandson: Brant Bosinske.
     He was proceeded in death by his parents; three sisters:  Mary in infancy, Hazel Lutz and Martha (Norman) Meinhart of Owen; and an infant son: Gerad.
     Funeral Services will be held at 10:30am on Monday, February 13, 2017 at St. Bernard - St . Hedwig's Catholic Church, in Thorp, with Rev. Janusz Kowalski officiating.  Visitation will be held at the Church from 9:30am until time of service.
     The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to the entire staff at Oakbrook Health & Rehab in Thorp for taking such compassionate care of our father and grandfather for the past 6 years.  We want to also thank all of his doctors, Dr. Hopkins, Dr. Wierz, Dr. Shaffer, Dr. Iwakiri and the staff at Our Lady of Victory Hospital in Stanley.
     A very special thank you to our extended family Lori Alger and her children Richard, David, Lindsay and Michael for their years of love and devotion shown to dad.
     In lieu of flowers, please send memorials or donations to the Thorp Food Pantry.