Edward James Lutz
October 19, 1926 — August 12, 2016
Edward James Lutz passed away peacefully at his home with family around him on August 12, 2016.
He was born Oct. 19, 1926 to Henry and Katrina (Christian) Lutz in Buhl, Idaho.
He was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Clover, Idaho, where he attended the parochial school. He went to Concordia High School in Portland, Ore. then spent a short school year at Oakland, California before joining the Navy.
He married Florence Schwarz Dec. 21, 1951 at the Clover Trinity Lutheran Church.
They were blessed with six children; Stanley (Bonnie) Lutz, Nampa, Idaho; Brenda (Craig) Roetcisoender, Kendrick, Idaho; Peggy Entzel, Wenatchee, Washington; Tony (Gwinda) Lutz and Ellen Lutz both of Royal City, Wash; Nancy (Michael) Curry, Chelan, Wash.
Ed farmed in southern Idaho until he moved his family to Othello, Wash. There he pioneered for five years, farming newly developed land while living in a small trailer home with his growing family.
After the war a G.I. bill passed giving veterans a chance to draw land to be developed. Ed was granted some raw land west of Royal City which he developed. An FHA home was built on the property. Graduating from a small trailer to a house with a firm foundation and having a well was living like royalty. More ground was purchased and a Concord grape vineyard was planted bringing the first grapes to the area. He continued farming until he retired in 1991, turning the farm over to his son, Tony.
He was active in helping to start a Lutheran church in Othello, serving as Sunday School superintendent, elder, teaching high school Bible class. After moving to Royal City, church membership was transferred to George, Wash. where he was equally involved. More recently membership has been transferred to Apostolic Lutheran Church in Moses Lake.
Ed is survived by his wife, Florence, six children, 24 grandchildren, 43 great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.
Suggested memorial may be sent to Loyal Lutheran Russian Missions which serves six orphanages.
A memorial service will take place at 11 am on Saturday, August 20, 2016 at Grace Lutheran Church, 303 E. Nelson Rd., Moses Lake, Washington with a reception to follow.
To leave an online condolence to the family, please visit our website at www.stevensfc.com