Obituary of Willis E. Lutz

Willis E Lutz 88 of Bloomville passed away on December 5 at his home after a brief illness. The cornerstone of the Lutz family was born on October 13, 1935, in Bloomville NY. He was the first-born son of Eugene George and Mary Orcelia (Thompson) Lutz. 

He attended the Bloomville School that merged to be South Kortright Central School durning his attendance. A proud dairy farmer who worked the family dairy farm during his childhood, then later partnered with his brother Richard. He along with Richard owned and operated “Lutzland Farms” until 1997. During his time farming, 50 plus years, he won the 1983 Outstanding Conservation Farming award. Throughout his time farming Willis also volunteered with Bloomville Fire Department.

In 1980 Willis became an original patient for the Bassett Farm Safety and Health Project in which Doctors May and Pratt observed the respiratory illness (Farmer’s Lung) on farmers to help prevent future farmers from developing the illnesses that plagued him.

In 1998 he started working at the Oneonta Block Company and Pickett’s Lumber. After several years he moved on to Roger Karn’s Ford as a detail, transport, and parts delivery man. In retirement he began making folk art and woodworking in which he won several blue ribbons at the Delaware County Fair.

On one fortuitous day Diana B Young was brought to the farm by Diane Gould soon to be Lutz. From that day on they have been together. They married on August 2, 1964, at the Sidney Methodist Church in Sidney NY. During their 59 years of marriage, they were blessed with three children Linda, Eugene, and Nancy.

His greatest joy was spending time with this family, spoiling his grandchildren, gardening in his flower bed, woodcrafts, and if you sat down next to him telling wonderful stories.

He is predeceased by his parents Eugene G and Mary O (Thompson) Lutz, Son Eugene Owen Lutz, Sisters Wilma Lutz, Margaret (Lutz) Steele. Brother Richard T Lutz, Brother-In Laws; John Wassenaar, Bruce Francisco, Richard Stuver.

He is survived by his wife: Diana B Lutz, daughters; Linda H Lutz (Peter Mauer) and Nancy J (Daniel) Shaw, grandchildren; Owen M (Serena) Thomas, Holly A Thomas, and Rachel J Shaw. Sisters; Mary Louise Francisco, and Patricia Wassenaar. sisters–in-law; Linda W Stuver, and Diane G Lutz, Brother-In-Law Donald Steele, as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Calling Hours will take place from 4pm to 7pm on Tuesday, December 12 at MacArthur Funeral Home 15 Buntline Drive, Stamford. A celebration of life will be held at 11AM on Wednesday, December 13 at the funeral home, burial in the Spring at Fairlawn Cemetery, 14881 NY 23, Prattsville.

 In lieu of flowers a contribution in memory of Willis may be made to the Bloomville Fire Department,  243 Scotch Hill Rd, Bloomville NY 13739.

To watch a recording of Willis's service follow the link below

WILLIS LUTZ SERVICE