"I am so sorry to learn that Fritz has passed away. When I first joined Kiwanis some 30 years ago Fritz was one of the first members that came up and greeted me. He always had a smile on his face and ready to give a friendly Hana shake. I wish I could have been to be at the service to tell him that he will be missed. Please know that I will keep him and family in my thoughts and prayers. Fritz was a good man. Ken Saville"
In loving memory of
A. Frederick "Fritz" Lutze
April 5, 1927 - October 9, 2017
MADISON - A. Frederick "Fritz" Lutze passed away on October 9 at Unity Point Meriter Hospital in Madison, WI. He was a man of immovably strong faith and a loving family man whose calm demeanor and strength of character took the lead in his day-to-day living.
Fritz was born in Sheboygan, WI on April 5, 1927 to August and Johanna (Lugenheim) Lutze. He graduated from Sheboygan Central High and entered the Air Force (Army Air Force at that time). He served in China during WWII as the chief clerk to General Albert C. Wedemeyer. After completing his duty with the Air Force and returning to the United States, he enrolled at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he earned a bachelor's degree in business. Fritz married Ruth (Schumacher) Lutze on May 23, 1953 at Calvary Lutheran Chapel on the UW-Madison campus.
For his professional career, Fritz worked in sales positions at Nabisco and Great Lakes Homes, following which he entered an extended career with UW-Madison Housing, both in student housing and family housing. In his time in family housing, he relished engaging with the diverse, international community, and the friendships born out of it.
Fritz was influential in the early development of Lutheran Church of the Living Christ, and was an active member there until the time of his death. He also remained a volunteer with Calvary Student Chapel. Fritz was active with Madison West Kiwanis for several decades.
He was meticulous when caring for his apple trees, and generous in giving the entire harvest away to neighbors and friends. Meticulous also described his approach to grilling brats, and the result was always a delicious one.
Fritz is survived by his wife, Ruth (Schumacher); daughter Anne Koth (Howard) of Beloit, WI; daughter Christine Lutze of Chicago, IL; granddaughter Helen Koth of Milwaukee, WI; and granddaughter Sarah Koth of Madison, WI.
Visitation will be from 4-6:00 PM on Thursday, October 12, 2017 at the Cress Center, 6021 University Ave, Madison, WI 53705. Visitation will continue from 10-11:00 AM on Friday, October 13, 2017 at Lutheran Church of the Living Christ, 110 North Gammon Rd, Madison, WI 53717 with a service to follow at 11:00 AM. A light lunch will be served following the funeral service. Private burial will take place at Forest Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to an organization or cause for which you care deeply.
Cress Center
6021 University Ave.
Madison, WI 53705
608-238-8406
Tributes
"Ruth and family, my thoughts are with you at this sad time but we will look forward to a reunion in heaven! Marcella Dickmeyer"
"Fritz always took the time to say hello and find out how everything in our lives was. He was a dear, dear man and will truly be missed. Our deepest condolences to Ruth and Family. Bob and Cindi Troia"
"I first knew Fritz when as a child I would visit my grandparents Ernst and Frieda Lutze in Sheboygan, and later when I was older he and Ruthie lived next door on Greendale Road. It was not just apples that caught his horticultural attention. One summer he decided to grow zucchinis, with wild success, resulting in not only his household but my grandparents' going through every recipe available to cope with the overflowing zukes. He also had a few surprises in his background: I believe during his WWII service in China he met both Chiang Kai Shek and Mao Tse Tung. But always I remember him as a warm and caring man. My deepest condolences to Ruthie and family. Carolyn Bode"
"We trasure our memories of the years we knew Fritz and Ruth while we were all members at Mount Olive Lutheran Church in Madison. As you share memories of this wonderful man with family and friends through these sad days, may you be truly comforted. Our sincere sympathy to Ruth and all of Fritz's family and friends.
Karyl and Norbert Affeldt"
"Heaven has one of the best. We were honored to know him through our church. He was a joy to talk with. Our condolences to Ruth and family. ~Ron and Marlene Roewer"
"What a long and blessed life and career, with a wonderful legacy of faith. We know where he is now, what an assurance and blessing. So sorry we will be gone Thurs. Our deepest condolences to you all on the loss of this fine man. Glen and Bonnie Broderick"
"Fritz was a very special gift from God! He walked the Faith AND sang heartily with the Mt. Olive Chorus for many years. Fond memories of his magnificent manner to engage others in song and conversation. He remains in my heart forever. Deep sympathy to Ruth and family."
"My husband, Ed Reisch, walked into the Kiwanis meeting with Fritz last Friday. The last time I attended a Kiwanis luncheon, Fritz came up and greeted me warmly. I have good memories of the quartet. Fritz made a positive contribution to our world in so many ways! MARY LOU REISCH"