John Lutz

Our gracious Lord took our father, John Fred Lutz, 96, Buhl, to his Heavenly home on June 21, 2024. Rejoicing in the resurrection of our Lord, we know that we will be reunited with Dad in Heaven.

John was born February 20, 1928, the first son of Fred and Luella Lutz in Clover, Idaho. John grew up on the Clover Track. He was a member of Clover Trinity Lutheran Church where he was baptized, confirmed and married. He attended Clover Trinity Lutheran School and Filer High School. As a young adult he was a member of the Walther League. After marriage he was a faithful member of Lutheran Laymen’s League and the Lutheran Camp Perkins Ministry. Above all, Dad loved his Lord. As our father, he loved us with his heart, inspired us with his faith, encouraged us with his words, and leaves an example of love for each of us.

John took over the family farm at the young age of 19 when his father, Fred, passed away suddenly. He married his partner for life, Shirley Schroeder, on January 4, 1948. They were blessed with 67 years of marriage. Shirley suffered from peripheral neuropathy and for many years required the love and care of John that he affectionately provided. Shirley died on March 20, 2015.

They were blessed with five children, Dennis, Yvonne, Bruce, Sonya, and Tamara. They made their home on the family farm in Clover for twenty-five years. They then moved to Twin Falls and farmed on the Bell Rapids project where he enjoyed raising Idaho potatoes with his son, Bruce. Later they moved to Wilderness Ranch, Idaho City. In 1999, when Shirley’s illness advanced, they returned to Twin Falls to be closer to family. 

John taught his children how to work hard but always had time for family fun. We will never forget Wednesday evenings when Dad would leave the field early, hook up the motorboat and take the entire family water skiing. Entertaining with music and humor was a gift the Lord gave to John. He loved telling the story of his short lived violin lessons once the teacher discovered he was playing by ear. He played the bass fiddle in a western band that discussed going to Nashville, but Dad chose farming instead. John loved to sing and taught his children how to harmonize. He, along with Shirley’s encouragement, formed the Lutz Family Singers. John became active in the Twin Falls Magichords Barbershop Harmony Society, and even formed a family quartet known as “Grandpa’s Boys” including his son, Dennis, and grandsons, Clinton and Marcus Lutz. In John’s later years, he picked up the harmonica which he became very gifted at playing. John will be remembered for the many programs and celebrations where he was the Master of Ceremony. He could tell a joke like none other.

John was a true “Jack of all trades!” In their early years of marriage, once the crops were harvested, they would load up their young children along with provisions that Mom had canned in the Fall, then traveled to Arizona and later California to find work through the winter. Dad used his talents of bucking and hauling hay. He also used his welding skills to support the family. While in California they formed a friendship with the Schaffner family that continues today.

 Whatever adventure John chose to pursue, Shirley was by his side with the love and support of a strong Christian wife. Mom always said, “Johnny, you make life exciting…never a dull moment.” Along with farming, John obtained his broker’s license and formed John Lutz Realty as well as John Lutz Builders. He enjoyed developing land in Twin Falls, Swiss Villa in the Stanley Basin, and Wilderness Ranch in Idaho City. Starting a log home building business, they built a beautiful home in the mountains in Wilderness Ranch where many of our family events and Christmas celebrations were enjoyed. In the summer they would return to the valley to pick up the grandchildren to spend a week in the mountains with them. 

 In the quiet evenings, in their beautiful home at Wilderness Ranch, Dad would sit and write down stories that he remembered from his lifetime. In 2010, these stories would be compiled into the book he published, “The Way It Was, Down on the Farm”.

 After moving back to Twin Falls, Dad could not sit still. Yes, he enjoyed golfing with friends and family but had to take it a step further. He started “Clubs for You”, a golf club assembly, fitting and repair shop in his home to be close to his wife who needed his care. He made many friends and pleased many golfers who “accidently” broke their favorite club. 

 Three years ago, John made his final home at Autumn Breeze in Buhl. While there, he enjoyed the company of the other residents and the wonderful care he received. Most of all, Dad loved family. He would light up when his children and his grandchildren came to visit. He also loved his family that he has joined in Heaven. One of our last conversations with our father was how Dad loved his wife, sisters and brothers. We will always cherish these moments when Dad shared stories of his family.

John is survived by his children Dennis (Donna) Lutz, Clover, Yvonne (Kenneth) Reinke, Nancy Lutz, Sonya (Dan) Denton, all of Twin Falls, and Tamara (Ron) Rehwalt, Meridian. He is survived by 17 grandchildren and 42 great-grandchildren and 10 great-great-grandchildren, two sisters, Wanda Sievers, Kimberly, and Kathleen (Ray) Sievert, Canby, Oregon.

He was preceded in death by his parents, son, Bruce, two brothers, David and Charles, and two sisters, Fern and Inez; two great-grandchildren, Caleb Lutz and Stefan Stults.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Autumn Breeze in Buhl for the loving care they provided our father these past three years. You have truly been a blessing to all of us. We also want to thank Rev. Steve Barckholtz for his many visits and the loving care from the staff provided by Heritage Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to be given to the Clover Trinity Lutheran Church or Clover Christian School.

A viewing will be held on Friday, July 5, 2024 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm at Wilks Magic Valley Funeral Home, 2551 Kimberly Road, Twin Falls, Idaho 83301. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, July 6, 2024 at Clover Trinity Church, 3552 North 1825 East, Buhl, Idaho 83316 with a viewing from 10:00 – 10:45 am. To view the live webcasting of the service, follow the tab below. 

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family within the guestbook section below.