William J. "Bill" Lutze

William J. Lutze, “Bill”, age 78, passed away, Friday, August 21, 2015 at Wheaton Franciscan All Saints Medical Center after a short but very courageous battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. He was born in Racine July 5, 1937 son of the late James and Iva (Nee: VanMarter) Lutze.

Bill proudly served his country in the United States Army. On April 20, 1963 at Grace Lutheran Church, he was united in marriage to JoAnn D. Werner who preceded him in death on November 23, 2011. He was employed by JI Case for many years until his retirement.

Bill was a member of Christ Church United Methodist. He was a member of the Wisconsin Sportsman association, N.R.A. and hosted numerous gun shows for many years. An avid outdoorsman, Bill enjoyed hunting, Fishing and trapshooting. He also was a Packer fan, but above all cherished time spent with his family especially his grand kids. He will be dearly missed.

Surviving are his children, Tina Lutze of Racine, Richard “Butch” Lutze of Black River falls; eight grandchildren: Tiana, Tabitha, Isaiah, Taleah and Tamaree Lutze; Crystal Boss, James Lutze and William (Charlotte) Lutze; four great grandchildren, Semarion, Siobhan, Grace and Lillian; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Judy Lutz, Joyce Werner (Rick Peck), Margie Ryddner, Kathi Norwood, Jerry (Cindi) Werner; special friend Betty Patzke many other relatives and dear friends.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, August 26, 2015, 11:00 A.M. at the funeral home. Interment with full military honors will follow at Caledonia Memorial Park. Relatives and friends are welcome to meet with the family for Visitation on Wednesday at 9:30 until time of service. Memorials to the Wisconsin Sportsman Gun Club have been suggested by the family.

A very special thank you to the entire staff at Wheaton Franciscan All Saints Medical Center especially the Oncology department for their loving and compassionate care. You didn’t know Bill for long but you made him feel special.