Gary Joe Lutz, 72, who grew up in Hillsboro, died Friday, May 22, 2020, at Ascension St. John Hospital in Warren, MI.
Due to COVID-19 virus regulations, private arrangements have been entrusted to D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home in Warren, MI.
Mr. Lutz was born with his twin brother, Larry on April 20, 1948, in Springfield. He was raised in Hillsboro and graduated from Hillsboro High School, then both he and his twin brother enlisted in the military during the Vietnam War.
He enlisted with the United States Army, entered into service on March 19, 1968, and faithfully served until receiving his honorable discharge on Oct. 20, 1970. While in Vietnam, he attained the rank of sergeant and also received many accolades and medals including the Bronze Star.
Following his overseas combat service, he returned home to Hillsboro and joined the Hillsboro Police Department where he worked as a police officer for seven years. He later joined the St. Louis Police Department where he continued his law enforcement career for an additional 18 years. Once retired from law enforcement, he continued working where he served as a contract negotiator for Magellan Medical Technology Consultants before ultimately retiring for good.
When he was not working, he loved the outdoors, whether hunting, fishing, or camping with his family. He was truly a family man who cherished his loved ones, especially his treasured grandchildren. Quiet times were usually spent watching old war movies featuring John Wayne, or watching the History Channel.
Gary is survived by his wife, Debroah Lutz; children Michael (Debbie) Lutz, Christopher (Dottie) Lutz, Kimberly (Todd) Pagano, and Melissa (Cassidy) Van Horn; grandchildren Justin, Jonathan, Callie, Jachob, Shane, Nicholas, Dylan, Joseph, Aidan and Lillian Grace; great-grandchildren Sophia and Winter; twin brother Larry; brothers Robert and Daniel; nieces Marianne, Jennifer, Amanda, Maggie; and many dear family members and friends.
