Donald Marion Lutz was born on the farm in Goodrich Township, Denison, Iowa, April 25, 1928, the son of Paul Carl and Hulda (Hantelmann) Lutz. He was raised on the farm and received his education in the rural schools and Denison High School. Following high school he worked for his father and other area farmers.

From November 14, 1951, until his honorable discharge August 13, 1953, he served his country in Korea in the United States Army. Upon his discharge he returned to Denison.

On April 17, 1955, Donald was united in marriage with Sylvia Shamp at Manning, Iowa. They made their home in Denison until moving to their farm in Goodrich Township in 1957. In addition to his farming career, Donald was also employed for many years at World Wide Meats and later at the Denison Job Corps Center until his retirement. He spent his retirement years on the farm.

In his spare time he enjoyed playing cards, listening to polka music, visiting the large dairy farm near Harlan, following the St. Louis Cardinals, of which he was an avid fan, and his annual trips to Mexico with friends.

He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Denison.

Donald died Sunday afternoon, February 14, 2010, at the V.A. Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska. At the time of his death he had attained the age of 81 years, 9 months and 19 days.

Including his parents, Paul and Hulda Lutz, Donald was also preceded in death by an infant son, and three brothers, Clarence, Art and Marion (Louie) Lutz.

Those remaining to cherish his memory include his wife Sylvia, four children: Craig Lutz, David Lutz, Donna Lutz-Johnson and Karen and husband, Brian Kokensparger, four grandchildren, Brenton Johnson, Anna and Kathleen Kokensparger and Thomas Lutz, three brothers: Alfred Lutz, Vernon Lutz and wife, Janice and Ervin Lutz and wife, Barbara, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Memorial services were held at 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, February 17, 2010, at the Pfannebecker Funeral Home in Denison with the Rev. Daniel Vogel officiating. Music for the service was provided by Sue Rosener singing "The Lord's Prayer" and "On Eagles Wings" with Glenn Rankin serving as organist. Military Honors were provided by the American Legion Post 8, Denison, Iowa. Inurnment was at Oakland Cemetery in Denison. Following the service the family invited everyone to join them at Cronks in Denison for refreshments and fellowship. The Pfannebecker Funeral Home, www.pfannebecker.com, Denison, Iowa, was in charge of arrangements.