Peter Ole Lutz, of Plover, passed away peacefully on January 21, 2016 in Orange Beach, AL where he has wintered for the past 9 years.

Born May 25, 1947 in Stevens Point, WI, the son of George A. and Margaret Mary “Pat” (Kelly) Lutz, Peter attended St. Joseph school and graduated from Pacelli High School in 1966. Following graduation, he was drafted and Peter chose to enlist in the U.S. Air Force.

On June 9, 1969, Peter married the love of his life Marjorie A. “Jan” Nix in Honolulu Hawaii during his R&R from duty in Phan Rang Vietnam. To fulfill his military service, the couple moved to Colorado Springs CO where SSgt Lutz served at the NORAD complex at Cheyenne Mountain. Peter was honorably discharged in 1970. The couple returned to Stevens Point and raised two children. Pete was a loving father and grandfather. He passed on many of his passions to his children and his grandchildren. He was proud of all achievements, personal, academic and athletic.

In Stevens Point, Peter continued the family tradition of working for the Soo Line Railroad. In 1988, Peter transferred to Spring Lake Park MN with the Canadian Pacific Railroad. After surviving a head on train collision in St Paul MN, the couple moved to Plover in 1996.

In his adventurous youth, Peter participated in ski jumping, hockey, and hunting. He enjoyed fishing with his Dad and Grandpa Alfred Lutz. Fishing and hunting remained life long passions, he often gave the rewards to family, friends and neighbors. Above all, Peter was a patriot. In 1968, as a Sgt, Lutz was recommended for USAF Airman of the Year Award. In 1969, SSgt Lutz received the United States Air Force Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service while stationed in Phan Rang Vietnam for “outstanding professional skill & initiative”. He was also awarded the Vietnam Service Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon, the National Defense Service Medal, the Expert Marksman Medal, and the Certificate of Recognition for service during the Cold War. Peter was a member of the VSPA (Vietnam Security Police Association) due to his augmentee security police service; UTU (United Transportation Union); Soo Line Veteran Employee Association and the American Legion.

Peter was involved in the PCYOI (Portage County Youth on Ice) program and co-managed the operation of the Georke Park concession stand. He managed the food concessions when Post 6 hosted the American Legion World Series in 1987. He helped build the UWSP Men’s Ice Hockey Blue Line Club and UWSP Women’s Ice Hockey Center Line Club.

Peter participated in the 12 Apostles Muskey Club & the DNR fish identification program. He organized a semi-annual fishing trip to northern Minnesota and annual Minnesota deer hunt for friends. Sports were a way of life, he enjoyed watching all levels: youth, Pacelli, SPASH, UWSP, American Legion baseball (Plover and Stevens Point) and many sports: ice hockey, football, baseball and basketball. Especially when his grandchildren were playing.

Peter was on the Pacelli class of 1966 reunion committees, and coordinated the Soo Line RR Retirees picnic. He was diligent about working out in Sentry Insurance’s Fitness Center. He proudly completed 14 marathons prior to the train accident. Peter could often be seen riding his bike on the Green Circle Trail. Peter volunteered and helped others, but was very modest in taking recognition for his hard work. He believed in honesty and always doing the “right thing”. Peter never met a stranger, adding new friends along the way. He was straight forward and spoke his mind. Peter loved spending time with his extended family and often hosted family gatherings, cooking up a storm. He traveled to visit family and friends throughout the United States and enjoyed being a snowbird building a strong connection at the Phoenix V snowbird community.

Peter was preceded in death by his parents, parents-in-law Asbury & Hazel (Sievwright) Nix, sister-in-law Judy (Wysocki) Lutz and beloved golden retriever, M’Lee Kandiyohi.

He is survived by his wife Marjorie A “Jan” Lutz; his children: Peter “Matt” (Amanda) Lutz, Stevens Point WI and Michelle Parlier (Dan Czech), Wausau WI; his grandchildren: Chase Parlier, Shaelie Parlier and Cameron Peter Lutz Brothers: John (Luci) Lutz, Stevens Point WI, Don (Alvie) Lutz, Marathon WI, Jim (Barb) Lutz, Eau Claire WI, George (Mary Anne) Lutz, Milwaukee WI. Sister: Mary (Ronald) Domka Stevens Point WI. Sisters-in-law: Carole (Dave) Olson, Stevens Point WI, Mary (Armando) Guzman, Holland MI, Kathy Nix, Peoria AZ, Elaine Nelson, Henderson NV. Brothers-in-law: Dennis (Sondra) Nix, Big Pine Key FL, David Nix, Phoenix AZ, James Nix, Peoria AZ. Godchildren: Patrick Lutz, Beth (Schultz) Jamison, Kelly (Lutz) Mueller, Ann (Mazzoleni) Janda and Cory Disher. Peter is further survived by many nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.

A casual celebration of life will be held at the Shuda Funeral Home in Stevens Point from 9:30 to
12:30 on February 2, 2016. Ashes interned at Wisconsin Veterans Cemetery in King Wi at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established in Peter’s name for Friends of 2713, a non-profit
organization dedicated to preserving railroad history in Stevens Point.

Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.shudafuneral.com