Joe E. Lutz, 76, of Windham, passed away on Tuesday December 7, 2021.
He was born in Parkersburg, W.V. on September 29, 1945, to the late John and Lottie (Campbell) Lutz.
Joe was a lifelong resident of Windham, Ohio. He was an active member in the community, taking position on the town council and running for Mayor. He graduated from Windham High School in the class of 1963. Joe spent his school years involved in sports. Joe was passionate about baseball and described himself as the great "lefty" pitcher. In fact, you could often find him reclined at night watching the Cleveland Indians. Joe dedicated many years to working hard for his family. He was a man of many talents and took on many positions. Joe spent his working years as a volunteer firefighter, truck driver, and maintenance man. Upon retirement from Harbison Walker Refractories, Joe spent his time working as a security guard, running the local fish fry, and even taking on a position at the local hardware store. When Joe was not working, you could find him in his garage, at a parts store, or researching his next project. Above all else, Joe was a family man. He was the rock of his family; the hero. Joe was a husband, brother, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, and he took each of these roles very seriously. He spent his family time passing on his wisdom, caring for their needs without hesitation, involving them in his projects, or simply making time to create memories. Throughout all of this, Joe still managed to make and keep many lifelong friends. Those who were lucky enough to meet Joe knew that the term "stranger" was not in his vocabulary. A few words to describe Joe would be loyal, affectionate, persistent, hard-working, resilient, and selfless.
Joe will be deeply missed by his loving wife, Mary Lutz; daughters, Casandra (Michael) Herndon, Jodi (Tim) Westfall, Keri Dickey, and Shannon Lutz ; grandchildren, Michael Herndon, Gabrielle Dickey, Alexis Morris, Blaike Dickey, Hannah Morris, Cazlea (Zeljko) Morris, Markus Morris, Tessa Dickey, Robert Westfall, and Jared Herndon ; great-grandchildren, Andersynn Lutz, Drazen Lalovic, Lailana Taylor, Leo Lalovic, Amina Morris, Graysen Meeks, Mia Lalovic, and Blaize Danko; siblings, Marjorie Monk, Mary (Jim) Molnar, Lou Lutz; sisters- in-law, Joyce Lutz and Curly Lutz; many nieces and nephews, as well as many, many friends.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers, John Lutz, Bill Lutz, and Dave Lutz.
Per Joe's wishes, he is to be cremated. The family would like to invite friends to celebrate Joe's memory for a memorial visitation on Saturday, December 18, 2021, from 1:00 P.M. - 4:00 P.M. at Windham Bible Church, 9550 Windham Parkman Rd., Windham, OH, 44288. A memorial service will begin at 4:00 P.M., with Pastor Chad Froelich officiating. All services were entrusted to Mallory-DeHaven-Carlson Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 8382 Center St., Garrettsville, OH, 44231.