Obituary for Joseph Mathew Lutz

Age 94, went to Heaven, December 10, 2023, surrounded by his wonderful wife and his children. There to welcome him home were his son Jim, parents Joseph and Therese, and 7 siblings.

First and foremost, faith was the cornerstone of his life. He was a devout Catholic and attended Mass in person or remotely up to his last days.

Joe was the consummate educator having served in the Mora, MN school district in many roles (teacher, coach, athletic director, community education director, administrator) for 34 years. He was a driving force behind the longstanding successful sports traditions of Mora High School. He was proud of the development of athletic programs under his leadership, including a comprehensive women’s program. Community involvement included work with the Minnesota State High School League organizing regional events as well as serving as Executive Secretary of District 18 for 16 years.

Joe was a Korean war veteran, stationed in Guam for most of his four-year tour, and a member of the American Legion since 1952.

Joe influenced thousands of young people through athletics. He was always on the lookout for underprivileged kids to mentor. His hard work and dedication over his career resulted in programs for kids that have given all participants rewarding experiences that are remembered for a lifetime. He was so proud of all his “ball players” from those years of coaching. Joe could be very colorful when coaching. We know that every single one of them has a “Joe story” to tell. He was always willing to advise, guide, and comfort anyone in need. Joe’s spirit lives on in all the athletes that he has coached.

Upon retirement, Joe took up golf. He developed a passion for golf and passed that passion on to his children. Joe and Carol lived part time in Arizona for 26 years. They loved their time there and made many friends from around the United States as well as England and Canada. Joe was an excellent planner and organizer, so when he was not playing golf, he was organizing golf tournaments in Mora as well as Arizona.

He was an extraordinarily proud and much-loved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend, but what he wanted most was to provide for his wife and family, and he accomplished this with his powerful presence, hard work, and love of life.

Joe and Carol were married for 70 years. They have 6 children, 16 grandchildren, and 15 great grandchildren (16th due in July 2024). Joe’s greatest joy was his family. We benefited from the love and interest he showed us. He loved Carol with all his heart. He was firm, always curious, kind, interested, and very energetic. He loved a good joke as well. He enjoyed watching MN sports, especially high school sports. Joe’s life was a life well-lived. The world is a better place because of Joe. He will be missed.

Joe is survived by his beloved wife Carol; children, Jane (Dan), Judy, Nancy (Don), Richard, Dave (Deb); 16 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren; as well as many other relatives and friends.

Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, December 21, 2023, at 10:30 AM at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 9100 93rd Avenue N, Brooklyn Park, MN. Visitations will be held on Wednesday, December 20, 2023, from 6-8 PM at Evans-Nordby Funeral Home, 34 2nd Street NE, Osseo, and at 9:30 AM on December 21 prior to Mass at the church. Private interment will be at Fort Snelling National Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to the Mora Athletics Department or directly to the charity of your choice.