Norm Lutz

A true patriot, devoted husband and father, and loyal friend, Norman Lutz was an extraordinary man to know and love.

It was during the decade that became known as the Roaring Twenties that Christian and Emma (Belter) Lutz were blessed with the birth of a baby boy on March 5, 1926. Norman Walter was their only child, and he was raised in the family home on Turner Avenue in Grand Rapids. He attended Immanuel Lutheran Elementary and went on to graduate from Union High School in 1944.

Shortly thereafter, Norm joined the Navy during WWII and was stationed in Japan. After he was discharged he returned home and attended Davenport College for three years, earning his degree in accounting.

With his education behind him Norm began working for a local accountant named Dick Hamming. While working there he met June Shaull whom he began dating. The couple married on December 8, 1956, and built a home on Filkins Drive. Together they raised three wonderful boys: John, Jerry, and Randy. The family had a summer getaway on Brooks Lake where they loved spending time together. Norm owned and operated his own business: Lutz Accounting Service for 16 years. He was deeply saddened with June’s death in 1999.

There were many things that kept Norm busy through the years. He loved to bowl, golf, and played on a few softball teams. Norm was an avid fan of the Lions, Tigers, Pistons, and the Michigan State Spartans. He also enjoyed keeping a garden every year filled with several vegetables. Norm was active in the American Legion post #356 and was also a lifelong member of Lutheran Churches of the Missouri Synod where he served as Chairman, Treasurer and Trustee. In addition, Norm was a longtime member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, rarely missing Sunday services.

Brighter days came Norm’s way when he began dating Georgie Keiser whom he knew from church. They married on September 15, 2001, and together they enjoyed the Civic Theater and Meijer Gardens as well as frequent visits to Phoenix.

A gift in the lives of many, Norman Lutz will be deeply missed.

LUTZ Mr. Norman W. “Norm” Lutz, aged 86, of Comstock Park, passed away on Wednesday morning, May 2, 2012. He was preceded in death by his first wife of 42 years, June L. (Shaull) Lutz. He is survived by his wife, Georgie (Jaeger) Lutz; his sons, John (Janice) Inghram Jr., Jerry (Susan) Inghram, Randall Lutz; his step-daughters, Linda (Stanley) Hill and Marie (Rick) Smalldon; his grandchildren, Jill (David) Lock, Jenna Inghram, Jeffrey Inghram, Lisa Inghram; step grandchildren, Wendy Vela, Shannon (David) Emerson; great grandchildren, Lauren and Benjamin Lock; step great grandchildren, Shandy and Shelbi Vela, Brady, Damon and Nathan Emerson; great great grandson, Peyton Vokoviak. Norm was a lifelong member of Lutheran Churches of the Missouri Synod, where he served as Chairman, Treasurer and Trustee. He honorably served his country in the US Navy during World War II. He was an avid softball player, bowler and golfer. He was a member of the American Legion Post #356. He started Lutz Accounting Service, which he operated 16 years until his retirement. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service to celebrate Norm’s life will be held on Friday at 11:30 AM at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 2 Michigan NE, with Pastor Craig Bickel officiating. Relatives and friends may meet his family at the church on Friday from 10:30 AM until the service begins at 11:30 AM. Contributions in his memory may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church or Immanuel St. James Lutheran School. To read more about Norm’s life, to leave your own memory of him and to sign his guest book, visit his web page at www.lifestorynet.com