Obit: Lutz, Herman W. (1922 – 2017)

Contact: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Lutz, Bruchert, Smigaj, Badzinski, Bosinske, Koltis, Acker, Meinhardt, Kowalski. Hopkins, Wierz, Shaffer, Iwakiri

----Source: THORP COURIER (Thorp, Clark County, Wis.) 01 Feb 2017

Lutz, Herman W. (17 FEB 1922 – 6 FEB 2017)

Herman William Lutz, age 94, of Thorp (Clark Co.), 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 Hermana nd 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 U.S. 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. In his seventies, he made his first hole in one at the Meadowview County 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 (Cornna) Bosinske; granddaughters: Alecia (Eric) Acker, Elizabeth and Sophia Lutz; great-granddaughters: Quinnlan and Kierstyn Acker; and great-grandson: Brant Bosinske.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters: Mary in infancy, Hazel Lutz and Martha (Norman) Meinhardt of Owen; and an infant son, Gerad.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, February 13m 2017, at St. Bernard-St. Hedwig Catholic Church in Thorp, with Rev. Janusz Kowalski officiating. Visitation was held at the church from 9:30 a.m. 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 six 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 to dad.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.cuddiefh.com.  Thorp Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.