"Dear Evelyn & Family, Certain influential figures stay with us our entire lives; Pastor Lutz is such a person. He set a fine example for so many of us who grew up participating in his Sunday School & Confirmation classes, VBS, Youth programs and church services. We couldn?t have asked for a better Shepherd to lead the way in our Christian upbringing. Although we grieve over Earthly parting when loved ones pass, let us rejoice in knowing Pastor Lutz joins our Heavenly Father & the host of welcoming Angels! Joyce Kading Streeter (St. John?s Casey: 1953-1974)"
In loving memory of
Pastor Donald Lutz
July 17, 1930 - July 1, 2020
Williamsburg-Rev. Donald Anton Lutz, 89 was called to his heavenly home on Wednesday, July 1, 2020 at his home.
Donald was born to Henry and Katrina(Christian) Lutz on July 17, 1930 at Twin Falls, ID. He grew up on a farm in the rural community of the Clover irrigation tract southeast of Buhl, ID. He attended Trinity Lutheran School at Clover, ID, graduated from Concordia Academy High School at Portland, OR, Concordia College at Oakland, CA and Concordia Seminary at St. Louis, MO in 1955. He was ordained and commissioned as missionary at large for the Corning, IA area in the Iowa District West. He was installed as pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church of Corning in 1957, while also serving as pastor of First Lutheran Church of Strand for three years. Donald was united in marriage to Evelyn Jean Riese on June 12, 1959 at St. John Lutheran Church in State Center, IA. In 1963 he served the dual parish of St. John's Lutheran Church at Casey and Immanuel Lutheran Church at Guthrie Center. He was the pastor at St. John's Lutheran Church near Homestead from 1972 until his retirement in 1999, but continued serving the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd at Wellman from 1990 to 2002. Donald loved to read, he had a miniature Library and enjoyed studying the sciences. His favorite leisure time was spent fishing, hunting and repairing things with wheels and motors.
He is survived by his wife Evelyn of 61 years; 5 children, Barbara (Steve) Haar of Baltimore, MD, Nathan (Donna) of Lake Park, MN, Paul of Austin, TX, Jonathan (Misty) of Dubuque and Lynette Frech of Catonsville, MD; 11 grandchildren, Jonathan (Carolyn) Haar, David Haar, Aaron Haar, Anton Lutz, Riese Lutz, Cade Lutz, Jeni Lutz, Zach Lutz, Madeline Lutz, Max Frech, Dasha Frech and a step grandson, Cael Jorgensen; a sister, Mary (Armin) Ills and a sister-in-law, Florence Lutz. He was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter, twin sister of Lynette; 5 siblings, Genevieve, Alvin, Phyllis, Edward and Robert and a son-in-law, Donald Frech.
Funeral Services will be 10:00 am Monday, July 6, 2020 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Williamsburg. Burial will be at St. John Lutheran Cemetery near Homestead. Visitation will be Sunday, July 5, 2020 from 3:00 to 6:00 pm at the Powell Funeral Home in Williamsburg. In lieu of flowers, memorial may be given for St. John Lutheran Church, Homestead, Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, Wellman or Lutheran Interparish School, Williamsburg. Please practice social distancing and masks are recommended at the visitation and the service. Messages and tributes may be left at www.powellfuneralhomes.com.
The family would like to thank everyone for their support and prayers during this difficult time.
Tributes
"Dear Mrs Lutz and family, I am sorry for your loss. I am also thankful for his life and the work he did. As i share the good news of the gospels with others today I am thankful for the foundation the Holy Spirit provided through the staff at St Johns as a child. Pastor Lutz was a very strong, truthful and approachable pastor. I am sure he will be missed here. He is with our heavenly father. I imagine the celebration in heaven with all other great believers from St John was awesome. Mrs Lutz, thank you too for all the times you were helping out as VBS leader, Christmas pageant leader, walther league help, etc.. You were always there too. Thank you. Gary Buser"
"Dear Evelyn and family, I am sorry to hear of the passing of Pastor Lutz. Both Don and Evelyn were Cherished friends and mentors for my family (Norman and Gladys and children) in Casey, Iowa, when you served St. Johns. Thank you for all you have done for us. Our fond memories continue. Gods Peace be with you. Steven Kading"
"Becky and I are sorry to hear of Pastor Lutz passing. I have many fond memories of him, from being confirmed at St. John's to when he took care of the funerals of my parents many years ago. Even though we've been gone from the area for 25 years, when I think of St. John's I can't help but think of Pastor Lutz. Jeff and Becky Hergert"
"Evelyn and family: May God grant you His comfort and peace in the eternal life that is Don's in Jesus Christ and His death and resurrection. He was a faithful pastor with whom I had the privilege of serving in the same circuit for my first nine years as a pastor. Well done, good and faithful servant. Pastor Nathan & Barb Rastl"
"You are in our thoughts & prayers. Arlyn & Louise Wade"
"So sorry to hear of Pastor Lutz passing. My Dad and Mom (Ed and Anita Uhlmann) so loved his sermons when he was in charge at St. John?s , Homestead. Even though I was no longer an active member of St. John?s, I always felt such a warm welcome from him when I would return for an occasional Sunday service. Pastor Lutz had a wonderful way about him. Truly a caring and compassionate Pastor. He will be missed. Doug and Linda (Uhlmann) Watts"
"so sorry for your loss. Our daughter Kathy and your daughter Barbara were good friends in high school . Tell her so sorry for the loss of her Father. Gods Blessing to all your family. Don and Velma Mews. "