Obit: Lutz, Elaine D. (1924 - 2014)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Lutz, Glamkowski, Smigaj, Bosinske, Koltis, Alger, Acker, Wirtz, Tuttle, Kime

----Source: Thorp Courier (Thorp, Clark Co, WI) 1/08/2014

Lutz, Elaine D. (13 September 1924 - ? 2013-2014)

Elaine C. Lutz was born on September 13, 1924, in Thorp, WI, the daughter of Stanley Smigaj and Ida Glamkowski. She attended St. Bernard’s Catholic School and graduated from Thorp High School in 1942. She was united in marriage to Herman Lutz on May 16, 1949, at St. Hedwig’s Church by Fr. Kime.

Her life was busy and she had many jobs over the years including working at Thorp Finance, a secretary for Corwin Guell, a clerk at Wolf Drug Store, a waitress and cook at the Corner Bar and a bookkeeper for Mattes Livestock. She was a very active member of St. Hedwig’s Church. She was a sacristan at the Chapel and also volunteered at the school library. She also held the position of “Sunshine Lady” for many years, and was the secretary for TOPS and KOPS. Elaine was a member of the famous “60’s Club” and was always creating interesting costumes, especially for Halloween. As a young woman, she enjoyed many outdoor sports such as swimming, tennis, bicycling and skiing. Her favorite snack was popcorn. She had a love for flowers and plants and her home was always full of them. She was a wizard at crossword puzzles, and loved to read almost anything in print, especially Stephen King thrillers. Days of Our Lives and the Green Bay Packers were her TV favorites; she was a true Packer Fan. Elaine loved life and shared her sense of wit and humor with more friends than we can count and is probably laughing with them up in heaven right now. We all remember her lighting candles and praying the rosary for anyone in need.

She is survived by her husband, Herman of 64 years; daughters: Linda (Jim) Bosinske, Sue (Ken) Koltis; sons: Stephen (Jill) and Dave (Lori Alger); four grandchildren: Lucas (Corinna) Bosinske, Alecia (Eric) Acker, Elizabeth and Sophia Lutz; three great-grandchildren: Quinnlan and Kierstyn Acker, and Brant Bosinske. She is further survived by her extended family: David, Richard, Lindsey and Michael Alger.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers: Louis and Stanley, Jr. Smigaj; and an infant son, Gerad.

Services were held at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Thorp on Friday, January 3, 2014. Visitation was at the church from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and Mass was at 10:30 a.m. Thorp Funeral Home assisted the family.

The family would like to thank Dr. Wirtz and Dr. Tuttle, the special staff at both Our Lady of Victory Hospital and Oakbrook Health and Rehab for all of their loving care. Thank you to everyone who kept Elaine in their thoughts and prayers; we will miss her.