Obituary of John Irvine Lutz

LUTZ, JOHN IRVINE, age 87, passed away peacefully on Saturday November 21, 2020 at his home in Pfafftown, North Carolina, with his loving wife and extended family by his side. John brought much joy to his family and friends. He will be dearly missed. There will be a 30 minute GRAVESIDE SERVICE on Friday, December 4 at 9:00 A.M. at the VA National Cemetery, 501 Statesville Boulevard, Salisbury, NC (not the Historic National Cemetery). A CELEBRATION OF LIFE will be held on Saturday, December 5th at 11:00 a.m. at Grace Bible Church, 3904 Woodview Drive, Winston Salem, NC. John was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan on June 22, 1933. He spent his formative years in Flint, Michigan, where he graduated in 1951 from Dye High School. He enjoyed high school sports, basketball and baseball, and later played sports in the City League; and enjoyed running in several city-sponsored races. After serving in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean Conflict (1953 – 1956), John then attended the University of Michigan before starting his 25-year career with General Motors, primarily in Quality Control. Those left to cherish his memory include his life-long companion and wife of 55 years, Juanita Brittain Lutz; his son, Michael John Lutz (Jennifer) and granddaughter, Natalie Ann Lutz; many nieces and nephews and life-long friends. He was preceded in death by his loving parents, William and Mary Corning Lutz; his sister Kawin Schempf (Melvin); and nephews, Gary Kinnamon and Stephen Kirby. John met his wife, Juanita, at Flint Central Church of the Nazarene in 1963 where he was her Sunday school Teacher. They were married in 1965. John served the Lord as a district youth leader, children’s ministry through puppetry, as well as holding many different positions including years as church board secretary. It was there that John and Juanita met many of their life-long friends. After his retirement, John and Juanita moved to Hilton Head Island, SC. They later moved to Fort Mill, SC and most recently to Pfafftown, NC to be closer to family. A special thanks to those who have touched John’s life in various ways over the past few years of ailing health, in particular: Pastor Dewey Wise, Pineville Church of the Nazarene for his compassion and friendship; Pastor Rich Powell, Grace Bible Church for his weekly visits; Valerie Corson, John’s faithful caregiver who brightened each day; John’s adoring niece, Tera Wolff and her husband, Ken, and their two children Isaac and Abigail Liescheidt who were always there for John and always brightened his days; and the Trellis Hospice Staff for their loving care and comfort.