Russell “Russ” L. Lutze

Russell “Russ” L. Lutze, 100 ½, of Onaway, died Friday, June 25, 2021 at Golden Beach Manor in Ocqueoc. Born in Bay City November 5, 1920, Russ was the son of William and Agnes (Adriance) Lutze.  He was a veteran of the U.S. Army where he served with the 88th Infantry Division as a mechanic in the European African Middle Eastern campaign during World War II.  Shortly after the war Russ married Arletta M. Block in Saginaw.  They eventually moved to Onaway in 1971.

Russ owned a service garage and wrecker service in Onaway for many years.  Some may remember his catchy slogan “Don’t Cuss, Call Russ” or may remember him as a bus driver for Onaway Community Schools. A jack of all trades, Russ worked as a stone mason, built houses, helped out at Chagnon Funeral Home, worked as a machinist at J.B. Lund and Sons in Cheboygan, crafted jewelry and other items from Petoskey Stones, which he sold from his home, collected and repaired bikes, and built fruit crates for Texas Citrus and Fruit. He also served on the Onaway Fire Department for 27 years.

Russ was the type of guy who could do just about anything and do it well.  He was a skilled carpenter and wood crafter who enjoyed making intricate things from wood including puzzles, brainteasers, wood toys, and canes. Russ could meticulously paint fine details and fancy lettering and craft beautiful jewelry from stones he loved to collect. He was a professional collector of things, which he would repair or find a use for. He loved to travel, including many fishing trips to Canada, and though he didn’t like eating fish, he really enjoyed catching them. Until he was 98 years old, Russ drove himself to Texas to escape the winter months in Michigan as he had done for nearly 40 years. With his sharp mind he loved to play cards, especially cribbage, and was always a worthy opponent. Always a “Ford Truck Guy,” he loved a Ford from his first car, a Model T, throughout his entire life. Fiercely independent, Russ lived life to the fullest and did things his way.            

Full of fun and a jokester up to his last days, Russ will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by his daughter, Janette (Wayne) Riley of Onaway; grandc

hildren, David (Luana) Peterman, Janine (Brett) Rachuba of Millersburg, Evelyn Lounsberry of Alpena, Janis (Greg) Kowalczyk of Pontiac and Jerilyn (Mike) Prow of Onaway; as well as 13 great-grandchildren and several great-great-grandchildren.  Russ also leaves his sister, Reatha Houck of Pontiac and a brother, Curtis (Judy) Lutze of California.  He was preceded in death by his former wife, Arletta; a daughter, Roxanne Peterman; his brothers, Maurice, Basil, Neil, and Walter Joel; and his longtime companion, Doris Kuhn.

A graveside service and military honors will be held at Hillcrest Cemetery. Those planning an expression of sympathy please consider a donation in memory of Russ to his family for his favorite charities.