Joseph F. Lutz

Joseph F. Lutz, 97, died peacefully on March 24, 2017 surrounded by family. He died as he lived, inspiring so many and asking for so little. Born on March 11, 1920 in Toledo, Ohio, his life was shaped by the challenges of the 20th century, from the Great Depression to World War II and the waves of opportunity that opened up for hard working Americans in the post war years of the 50’s and 60’s. An Army veteran who had the good luck to marry an East Side girl, Evelyn Kornrumpf, he set out in 1947 to make a life for his family in Maumee, Ohio. Many of their siblings followed and raised their families in Maumee which made for many great family memories. What a Life! Joe was a skilled carpenter, loyal co-worker and foreman for various construction companies in Toledo. He was a voracious reader, and an avid Detroit Tiger and Ohio State Buckeye fan. Go Bucks! He was known for his wit, fierce independence, generosity and optimism. His story of service to our country was recorded in the Veterans History Project by the University of Toledo. And we had the good fortune to accompany him on the Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. in May 2012. He was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Maumee for over six decades. There he served as a member of the Church Council and he was most proud of his contribution to the church Planning Committee. Joe is survived by his five children: Barbara Cronin of Bellingham, WA, Jo Anne Lutz of Maumee, OH, Patricia Lutz Sheppard (Ed) of Cincinnati, OH, Robert Lutz (Tina) of Wayland, MI, and Mark Lutz (Jacqueline) of Newtown, PA. In addition, he leaves behind his many Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren, his sister-in-law Ruth Watrol and brother-in-law Ronald Kornrumpf, and many nieces and nephew. He will be greatly missed by his extensive family, friends, and neighbors. No funeral or memorial service is planned. His life will be celebrated privately by his family. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to Hospice of Northwest Ohio for their extraordinary kindness and care provided over the last seven months. Hospice caregivers define the art of end of life care. Donations in Joe’s name can be made to Hospice at 30000 East River Road, Perrysburg, OH 43551. Arrangements by Maison-Dardenne-Walker Funeral Home, Maumee, OH. Online condolences may be shared at walkerfuneralhomes.com.