Barrie A. Lutze, age 63, of Waupaca, WI, passed away on Wednesday, March 12th, 2014 at Appleton Medical Center.
He was born in Manitowoc, WI on October 12, 1950, the son of Elroy and Betty Lou (Olm) Lutze. Barrie married the love of his life, Virginia Kay Siegrist, on August 21, 1971 in Hortonville, WI. They lived in Kiel during their first year of marriage, where Kay taught while Barrie finished his undergraduate work. After graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, Barrie and Kay moved to Waupaca where he started his teaching career. He was an eighth grade English teacher at Waupaca Middle School for the following thirty-eight years, and yearbook advisor for most of his career. He was known by his students for an extensive tie collection and equally extensive collection of jokes and puns – which he shared daily, to the “delight” of his students and co-workers.
When not teaching, Barrie could be found on one of the many rivers and lakes in the area. His hobby of fishing led him to establish “Reel Faith Fishing” at First United Methodist Church in Waupaca. Through Reel Faith Fishing, he hosted “Fishing Is Fun Day”, which taught children how to fish, make jigs, and cast. He also took many people out in his boat. For some, it was their very first time. Barrie was awarded the Rotary “Service Above Self” Award for his work with Fishing Is Fun Day. As a member of First United Methodist Church in Waupaca, Barrie was Chairman of the Personnel Committee, taught Confirmation and Sunday School, was a lay reader during service, an usher, and a member of the choir. Barrie also participated in multiple mission trips.
Barrie was the statistician for the Waupaca Comets football and basketball teams, as well as the announcer for the basketball games. During his tenure at Waupaca Middle School, he coached boys and girls basketball, football, and girls volleyball. He also taught a summer school class on baseball fundamentals. He was an avid sports fan, making trips all over the country to visit different baseball stadiums during the summer months. During his retirement, Barrie shared his gifts of writing and photography with the Waupaca County Post. He contributed articles and photos from sporting events in the region. Combined with his photos from decades of family vacations, he leaves behind a plethora of photos to go along with the countless memories from a life well lived.
Survivors include: his wife, Kay Lutze, Waupaca, WI; son, Aaron (Cara) Lutze, Portland, OR; grandson, Teegan Lutze, Columbus, OH; mother, Betty Lou Lutze, New Holstein, WI; brother, Todd (Julie) Lutze, Kiel, WI; brother-in-law, Don (Carol) Siegrist, Cecil, WI; Goddaughters, Ronda Korb, Erin Lemkuil; and Godson, Wesley Zube. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Barrie had been looking forward to seeing his new granddaughter whom is due to be born in August of this year. He was preceded in death by his father, Elroy Lutze and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Don and Virginia Siegrist.
Memorial Services will be held at First United Methodist Church in Waupaca at 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 5th, 2014, with Reverend Cathy J.N. Weigand, officiating. Memorial Visitation will be held on Friday, from 4 until 8 PM at the Holly Funeral Home in Waupaca and on Saturday, from 1 PM until the time of the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in the name of Barrie A. Lutze.