Walter George Lutge

Walter G. Lutge, age 97, of Ithaca, died Friday, January 8, 2010, at Ashley Care Center.

Walter was born November 19, 1912, in Champaign, Illinois, the son of Fred and Meta (Steffens) Lutge. He married Iva Mae Keck in St. Louis on February 21, 1941. She preceded him in death on May 20, 1996. He worked for Redman trailer Company for 23 years, and also worked on some farms in North Star Township.

Walter enjoyed going up north to the cabin with the family. Walter and Iva always had a big beautiful garden and loved to share all of their goods with friends and family. He also enjoyed going for rides checking on the crops around Gratiot County, going on fall color tours, and spending time with family.

Walter is survived by his six children, Fred Lutge of North Star, Janet (Terry) English of Ithaca, Joan Lytle of North Star, Dale (Helen) Lutge of Ithaca, Frank Lutge of Ithaca, and Randy Lutge of North Star; 13 grandchildren; 23 great grandchildren; and 3 great great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Nora Heimberger and Bertha Lutge; two brothers, Raymond Lutge and Harry Lutge; and his grandson, Terry “T. J.” English.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Monday, January 11, at the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca. Interment will follow in North Star Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday, January 10, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the Muscular Dystrophy association.