Loren Lutz

WEBSTER – Loren Lutz 65 of Webster passed away surrounded by his family on Sunday January 28, 2018 at Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls. His funeral will be 11:00 A.M. Saturday February 3, 2018 at United Methodist Church in Webster. Burial will be at the Dexter Cemetery near Florence. Visitation will be 5-7 P.M. Friday closing with a 7P.M. prayer service at Fiksdal Funeral Service in Webster. Loren Henry Lutz was born August 14, 1952 to Lawrence and Borghild “Jo” (Bye) Lutz on the family farm near Webster. As a child, he loved following his dad and grandpa around the farm. Loren attended school in Webster, graduating in 1970. He later earned a BS in History from Huron College and his MA in Guidance and Counseling from Northern State University. On September 23, 1978, Loren married his best friend, Patricia “Patty” Halse, in Florence. Their daughter, Amber Jean, was born in 1981, followed by their son, Jason Henry, in 1982. Loren’s calling was to be an educator and coach. He spread his love of learning to countless students in the Conde, Gettysburg, Agar, Bristol, Waubay, Summit, Jones County and Miller school districts during his 40 years of teaching. He also cherished his time as a coach. During his career, Loren coached all levels of basketball, football, volleyball, cross-country and track. He was a passionate history teacher and was very involved in the National History Day program, accompanying students to the national contest in Washington D.C. numerous times. As recognition of his efforts, Loren received multiple teaching awards during his tenure. He also showcased his superb patience as a longtime driver’s education instructor. While in Gettysburg, Loren and Patty established the Oahe Area Youth Center to create a safe and healthy place for area kids to go. Loren always relished opportunities to mentor or affect change with young people. Through laughter and encouragement, he had a special ability to make others believe in themselves. Loren was an active member in the United Methodist Church, serving as a Lay Speaker for many years. He was also an avid Minnesota Twins and Green Bay Packers fan. When visiting Loren during the summer, you could count on seeing him with his portable radio listening to baseball games. He especially loved traveling with his family and attending sporting and school events his children and students participated in. Grateful for having shared Loren’s life are his wife, Patty of Webster; daughter, Amber Lutz (Justin Weig) of Aberdeen; son, Jason (Sarah) Lutz of Pierre; mother, Jo Lutz of Webster; brother, Lynn (Vonnie) Lutz of Webster; sister, Mary (Monty) Bloom of Webster; brother-in-law Dan Gisselbeck of Webster; mother-in-law, Elaine Halse of Watertown; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Preceding Loren in death are his father, Lawrence Lutz; sister, Marcia Gisselbeck; father-in-law, Dennis Halse; maternal grandparents, Gus and Marie Bye; and paternal grandparents, August, Frances, and Emma Lutz.