Leroy W. Lutzke, 91, Two Rivers, formerly of Valders, Reedsville and Oconto Falls, went home to the Lord on Saturday morning, March 7, 2015. He was born April 24, 1923, in the town of Liberty to Arthur and Linda (Lemke) Lutzke.
Leroy grew up on the family farm, where he learned the lessons of hard work, making ends meet with what you had and dedication to family. Following his graduation from Valders High School with the Class of 1941, he went on to graduate from the University of Wisconsin-Madison for a Farm Short Course in Agriculture. Leroy returned to the family farm, which he helped operate with his parents and eventually owned. Following the sudden death of his mother in 1966, Leroy continued to operate the farm while caring for his father, who was going blind.
Leroy later worked for Mike Wallander Construction in Manitowoc for 10 years and also was a licensed insurance agent for Franklin Mutual Insurance Company. A bachelor for the first 53 years of his life, Leroy’s cousin and special godchild LuAnn Helgeson introduced Leroy to a widow of 11 years named Norma Jones, and the two began dating. On Sept. 18, 1976, the couple was married at St. John & James Lutheran Church in Reedsville.
While living in Reedsville, Leroy went to work as a field representative for Kasson Cheese in Brillion, calling on farmers, many of whom were friends, convincing them to send their milk to his employer. Not only did Leroy enjoy his work during these years of his life, but he also was also very successful at growing their milk volume for production.
In 1990 the couple moved to Two Rivers ,where he became a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, the church’s men’s club and became active in the local Lion’s Club. As an avid card player, especially sheepshead, Leroy continued to play an above average game of cards throughout his entire life wherever he lived.
In March 2001, the couple moved to Oconto Falls to be closer to their youngest grandchildren, belonged to St. Paul Lutheran Church and became active in the community. In May 2010, they moved back to Two Rivers, where Leroy re-established old friendships and was again a member of St. John’s Parish and continued his card playing.
His family includes his wife, Norma Lutzke, Two Rivers; Norma’s four children, Preston (Sandi) Jones Jr., Two Rivers, Gene (Cindy) Jones, Green Bay, Julie Geigner, Beaver Dam, Greg (Kathy) Jones, Oconto Falls; eight grandchildren, Andrea (husband, Phil Wroblewski) Jones, Austin, Texas, Amber (Mike) Keehan, De Pere, Matt (Jess) Jones and Andy Jones, all of Marquette, Michigan, Jessica (Mike) Liston, McFarland, Sarah Jones, Green Bay, Elizabeth (Ryan) DeBauche, Sobieski, Philip Jones, student at Monmouth College, Illinois; two stepgrandchildren, Andy (Tiffany) Blondeau, Howard, Sarah (Matt) Goodman, Appleton; five great-grandchildren, McCarty Jones, Marquette, Michigan, Lilly and Brenden Keehan, De Pere, Liam and Drake Liston, McFarland; four great-stepgrandchildren, Natalie and Stephen Blondeau, Howard, and Nolan and Allie Goodman, Appleton; his brother-in-law and sisters-in-law, Gerald and Dawn Nelson, Marian “Mitzie” Nelson, all of Two Rivers; nieces, nephews and many good friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Marcella Scheidt; one nephew, David Scheidt; one great-niece, Allison Scheidt; one great-nephew, Bryan Scheidt; his in-laws, Otto and Elsie Nelson; two brothers-in-law, Norman Scheidt and Jerome Nelson; and sister-in-law, Anita Nelson.
Visitation will be held from 4-8 p.m. Thursday, March 12, at Deja-Martin Funeral Chapels, 1506 18th St., Two Rivers. Visitation will continue after 9:30 a.m. Friday, March 13, at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church, 1707 E. Park St., Two Rivers, until the time of service. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday at the church with his pastor and friend, the Rev. David Arndt, officiating. Burial will take place next to his parents in Trinity Lutheran Cemetery, town of Liberty.
Jones Funeral Service in Oconto Falls (920-848-2222 or visit www.jonesfuneral.com) is in charge of arrangements.
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