Alan James Lutze

Racine– Alan J. Lutze, 76, passed away unexpectedly at Wheaton Franciscan – All Saints Medical Center on Thursday, August 9, 2012 as the result of a brain hemorrhage while courageously battling Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. 

Alan was born in Racine on January 27, 1936. He graduated from William Horlick High School in 1954.  An all around athlete, Alan was most proud of being a member of the football team winning the 1953 State Championship.  He continued playing football for the Racine Raiders wearing the #5 All-Star Game Jersey of Paul Horning.  

On September 8, 1962 at The Little Brown Church in the Vale of Nashua, Iowa, he was united in marriage to the love of his life, Sandra Kay (nee: Shaw) Lutze. They were looking so forward to celebrating their 50^th Wedding Anniversary in less than a month.  

Alan was employed by SC Johnson for over 30 years, retiring in 1998.  Working as a Product Maker in Bldg 60, with a strong sense of smell, his nose was certified for product quality control.    

On his brag board are; a couple “Hole in One” golf games, bowling a 300 game on the eve of his 42^nd birthday, and a Tiger Muskie Catch and Release Certificate from the Chippewa Flowage.  He and Sandy enjoyed many good days camping, fishing and golfing together.  Alan was an avid sportsman and enjoyed hunting with Dave and the La Crosse Boys with his Springer Spaniel “Beau” at his side.  There were many fun bowling nights and tournaments with the Kenosha guys.  He liked making golf clubs for friends, at a nominal fee of course.  A good day started with working crossword puzzles, reading Jack Reacher novels and feeding/watching the birds.  Alan loved having breakfast at Yuni’s with his daughters and lunch at Kewpee’s with the grandkids.  

Surviving are his loving wife of almost 50 years, Sandy; their daughters, Laurie Nievin and Lynelle (Chris) Saunders; grandchildren, Stewart Nievin; Todd and Eric Gage; Alex and AJ Saunders; great-grandson, Asean Day-Gage; brothers, Dan and John (Cheryl) Welch; brother-in-law, Bob (Sharon) Shaw; sister-in-law, Lynette Burling; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and cherished friends. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.  

Alan was preceded in death by his devoted mother, Verna (nee: Grove) Welch; step-father, Earl Welch; beloved daughter, Lisa Mae; Sandy’s parents, Bob and Belma Shaw; sister-in-law, Ann Welch; and brother-in-law, Ron Burling.  

In accordance with Alan’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service celebrating his life will be held in the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Monday, August 13, 2012 at 6:00 pm. A reception will follow. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Monday from 4-6 pm. In honor of Alan, please share a random act of kindness toward someone in need. Memorials may be made to the family or to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Racine.  

Alan’s family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the physicians and entire staff of Wheaton Franciscan – All Saints Emergency room, CICU and 2C for their incredible care and compassionate support given during the past week. Also appreciated is the comforting care and support given by WFH Hospice and Dr. Mike Mullane and his staff.  God’s blessing.