Herbert E. LUTZ

Obit was Published in Springfield News-Sun from December 9 to December 16, 2012: Lutz, Herbert E. age 90, of Tremont City OH, beloved husband, father, grandfather, teacher, guidance counselor, colleague and friend, passed away on December 5, 2012. He was born to the late John and Elsie Lutz on November 4, 1922 in Bloomdale, Ohio (Wood County). The family moved to Amanda OH in 1926, where he spent his boyhood days. Before leaving home to join the Navy in WWII, he was valedictorian for Amanda High School, class of 1940. He participated on two championship basketball teams and played the trumpet in the All Ohio State Fair Marching Band. As World War II broke out, he enlisted first in the Marines and ultimately in the Navy, where he was Lieutenant J.G. stationed on the tank landing ship LST 942. His tour of duty was in the southern Pacific, where his ship was commissioned to return Japanese POWs from the various islands (e.g., Phillipines, Borneo) to their home country, where he witnessed the aftermath of the horrific bombing of Hiroshima. Upon his return to civilian life, he completed his degree in Education at Capital University and embarked on his first teaching assignment at Concord Township High School (near Urbana OH). It was there that he met the love of his life and best friend, Mary Catherine Zerkel. They wed on July 31, 1955. The couple moved to Tremont City in 1959, with two small daughters and when Herb began teaching in Northwestern schools, after spending several years at Olive Branch Junior High. He earned his Master's Degree from Wittenberg University in the 1960's, and was promoted to guidance counselor at Northwestern High School; he continued in that position until he retired in 1983. Herb and Mary enjoyed 56 happy years of marriage, sharing in a number of experiences and milestones. They raised three daughters, provided the Tremont City United Methodist Church with incredible music (he on the organ, she on the piano) for over 35 years, and taught together for decades at Northwestern High School. During retirement, they enjoyed gardening, yard work, bicycle riding, visiting children and grandchildren, advocating clean water in the face of the landfill near Tremont City (CF WATER), and of course, continued sharing their musical talents with the church. Earlier this year, Herb was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Catherine and daughter, Karen Gervase. He is also predeceased by brother, Marvin Lutz; and son-in-law David Gall. Left to love and cherish his memory are daughters Kathy Newman-Gall (Columbus, OH) and Stephanie Lutz (Findlay, OH). He is also survived by six grandsons: Phillip Newman, and Christopher and Cameron Gall of Columbus OH; Charles, Anthony and Stephen Gervase of Lebanon CT; sister Jean Roesh of Marysville OH; sister-in-law Joan Lutz of Lancaster OH; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins who all dearly love him. Visitation will be at LITTLETON & RUE FUNERAL HOME, 830 N. Limestone Street, Springfield, OH 45503 from 1:00-3:00 p.m. Saturday, December 22, 2012 Memorial/Celebration of Life Service immediately following at 3:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

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