Eugene Lutz

Eugene A. Lutz, 83, of Clinton, died Thursday, November 27, 2008 at the Providence Medical Center in Waco, Texas. Funeral Services will be 11:00 am, Wednesday, December 3, 2008 at the Clinton Chapel Snell-Zornig Funeral Home and Crematory. Burial will be in the Rose Hill Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be his grandsons Greg Tobin, Eric Tobin, Jesse Benavides, Jason Benavides, Brad Buikema, and nephew Steve Kehl. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be his granddaughters Kaylee Kissack, Tiffani Smith, Kristi Darsidan, Bobbi Fransen, Rebecca Lutz, Erin Adams, Jennifer DeLeon, Julia Hynson, and Brandi King. Visitation will be Tuesday from 4:00pm to 7:00pm at the funeral home with a Rose Croix Service at 7:00pm Eugene Lutz was born March 23rd, 1925 in Clinton Iowa to Robert and Iva Anspach Lutz. He was the 2nd of their five sons. He attended schools in Clinton, graduating from Clinton High School. He joined the Navy in 1942 and was given a medical discharge. In 1941 he found the love of his life and married her. Hazel Outzen and Gene Lutz were married on February 19, 1944 and raised their family of five children in the house that they built together. Gene loved his wife dearly and treasured their children. He was tremendously proud of his 14 Grandchildren and 25 Great Grandchildren. For most of his adult life Gene earned a living as a heavy equipment operator. Working for Lewis and Lawson in the early years and for 30 years for Foley Construction. He retired from there in 1982. He took pride in the fact that he was involved in many major construction projects in Clinton and the surrounding areas. He worked on all of the temporary flood levee projects and helped to build the permanent levee protecting the City of Clinton. He built the original racetrack north of Carstensen’s on Highway 30. He was involved in every major road project in the county. Gene loved life and wanted to experience as much of it as possible. Throughout the years he had many hobbies, from woodworking, painting and lapidary. He could set down to his piano or organ and play most anything. He loved to fish, camp, and boat. In his late sixties he took up golf and couldn't wait to get back out on the course. Gene and Hazel recently sold their home in Florida where they would spend their winters. He was very grateful for the lasting friendships he made while being there. Gene looked forward to his weekly visits to the "boats" with his close friends and coffee with his former construction buddies. He was a member of Western Star Lodge 100 and also a 32nd degree Mason with Clinton Scottish Rite. He was a member of Operating Engineers Local 537. Most of all, Gene was a loving Husband, Father and Grandfather and will be tremendously missed by his family and friends. He leaves behind his wife of 64 years, three daughters, Jeanne Benavides of Hewitt Texas, Shiela Buikema (Gary) of Clinton and Barbara Tobin (Joe) of Iowa City. Two Sons, Robert Lutz (Pattie) and Bruce Lutz (Dell) of Clinton. Fourteen Grandchildren and 25 Great Grandchildren, with another one due in February. Two Brothers, Harold "Red" Lutz (Mary) of Alexander City AL. and David Lutz (Joyce) of Cordova IL, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death his parents, two brothers and two great grandsons. Memorials can be made to the American Cancer Society or the Masonic Alzheimer’s Association.

Eugene Lutz

March 23, 1925 - November 27, 2008