Obit: Lutzke, Donald E. (1929 - 2006)

Transcribed by: Crystal Wendt

Surnames: Lutzke, Schreider, Harkner, Block, Gibson, Kleinheinz, Ramasini

---Source: Foto News (Merrill, Lincoln County, Wis.) Wednesday, 21 June 2006; page 9

---Lutzke, Donald E. (2 Sept. 1929 - 17 June 2006)

Donald E. Lutzke

Donald E. "Bud" Lutzke, 76, of 2800 Thielman St., Merrill, died Saturday, June 17, 2006, at St. Claire-s Hospital, Weston.

Donald was born Sept. 2, 1929, in Lincoln County, son of the late Ervin and Eleanor Schreiber Lutzke. He married Byrdine Harkner on July 26, 1952, in Merrill. She survives.

Donald served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1952 until 1954, and was stationed in Korea, Okinawa and Japan. While in the military, Donald and his unit participated in the atomic bomb testing at the Nevada Flats. Donald retired as youth counselor supervisor at Lincoln Hills School, Irma. Donald enjoyed the challenge of working with youth and their rehabilitation at Lincoln Hills School. He was a member of St. Francis Catholic Church, Merrill, and was a man of strong faith. Donald enjoyed playing cards, deer hunting, walking in the woods and watching wildlife, the Green Bay Packers, spending winter vacations in Arizona, traveling to Germany, Australia and New Zealand, RV camping, making an occasional casino trip, and telling stories about his life - both the good times and the bad times. Donald was a devoted husband and family man, and he enjoyed spending time with all his grandchildren.

Survivors besides his wife Byrdine, Merrill; include daughters Diane Lutzke and Patti (Randee) Block, both of Merrill; sons Donald L. (Mary), Merrill; and Thomas (Kathy), Irma; grandchildren Donald, Gera, Michael, Michelle, Amy, Katie, Erin, Benjamin, Zach, Kimberly, Molly and Casey; great-grandchildren Teala, Claire and Madelyn; and sister Peggy (Ralph) Gibson, Merrill.

Funeral services were Tuesday, June 20, at St. Francis Catholic Church, Merrill. Rev. Joseph Kleinheinz and Deacon John Ramasini officiated. Burial was in Chat Cemetery, town of Birch, with graveside military rites conducted by Merrill VFW Post 1638. The Taylor & Stine Funeral Home, Merrill, assisted the family.

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