Thomas
Thomas A. Lutes
Thomas A. Lutes ago 53 of Otsego passed away Wednesday, April 1, 2015 in Allegan.
He was born March 12, 1962 in Plainwell, the son of Ernest and Betty (Foote) Lutes. Tom was a 1980 Otsego High School graduate. After high school Tom worked at Menasha for 24 ½ years as a senior bulldozer operator until they closed. He was currently employed at Perrigo for the past 6 years. Tom was a member of the Order of the Arrow and was also an Eagle Scout. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, and being outside. He was excellent at smoking food and was well known for his fish fries and chili cook-offs. Tom loved spending time with his family especially his grandsons, he also loved fishing with his wife and dog. On June 4, 1983 at the Martin United Methodist Church he married Betsy, also surviving are his children, James (Cora) Lutes and Jesse (Joseph) Lechner both stationed with the US Navy in Norfolk, VA; 3 grandchildren, Clayton “CJ” Lutes, Joseph Lechner, Jaxon Lechner and another due soon; his twin sister Tammy Lutes of Holland, along with several nieces and grand-nieces.
Cremation has taken place and a private family service will be held.
Contributions in memory of Tom may be made to the Otsego Boy Scouts Troop 3098.
Messages of condolence may be posted at www.
WinkelFuneralHome
.com
Offer Condolence for the family of Thomas A. Lutes
Condolence Messages
Rodney Wall
April 2, 2015 at 3:39 pm
Tom was a great man to work with at Perrigo and will truly be missed by all of us.
Reply
Dick and Sylvia Davs
April 2, 2015 at 4:14 pm
Betsy and Family. So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Reply
Mike Rankin
April 2, 2015 at 5:04 pm
Betsy, I was so sorry to hear about Tom. If there is anything I can do for you please call. Mike.
Reply
Jim Hoffman
April 2, 2015 at 5:10 pm
Betsy and family, so sorry for your loss. Tom was a great man and always a joy to work with back in the “Menasha Days”. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Reply
Lori Hover Burrows
April 2, 2015 at 6:17 pm
My thoughts and prayers to the family – May God bless and keep you all in his presence
Reply
Class of 1980
April 2, 2015 at 8:13 pm
The Class of 1980 is saddened to learn the passing of Tom! We are sending deepest sympathy to the Lutes family!
Reply
Joe Gardiner
April 2, 2015 at 8:31 pm
Tom was such a great friend to so many. Loved his family and had such a passion for many things. He loved to bring spicy things into work for us all. He will be sorely missed. Thoughts with the Lutes family.
Reply
Theresa Irving
April 2, 2015 at 9:05 pm
So sorry about Tom. My deepest sympathy goes to the family.
Reply
Mark Midose
April 2, 2015 at 9:12 pm
Rest in peace Tom.
Reply
Frank Aboott
April 2, 2015 at 10:09 pm
I had a good childhood with Tom. He was a good man and neighbor. You will be truely missed.
Reply
Terry Meyer
April 2, 2015 at 10:41 pm
Tammy and family I am so sorry to hear this. Heaven has another Angel to watch over you. I have memories of our childhood the creek and ball games. Keeping you in my prayers. R.I.H Tom
Reply
Joyce Irons Buckallew
April 3, 2015 at 12:29 am
So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers to the family. May God be by your side to help you through this.
Reply
Jason Kibiloski
April 3, 2015 at 12:48 am
I didn’t know enough about Tom, always so reserved. He was well respected by us on 3rd shift. First one to want a DTO, last one to ever complain. I was always a little afraid to try the spicy stuff at the potlucks. I’m so sorry he isn’t with us anymore. My heartfelt sympathy to his immediate family from his work family.
Reply
Bryan Risner
April 3, 2015 at 1:49 am
So sorry family n friends… A great guy. R.I.P Mr. Tom
Reply
PETER SANCHEZ
April 3, 2015 at 3:33 am
Jesse and I have been friends for a long time growing up. I can say her father is a man I wish I had come to know growing up with her as she has the biggest heart and she was a primary support for me when I lost a parent. I can only try and make my condolences to her thru my writing.
Embrace empty feelings to a future full of happiness yet to be rewarded in kind to all with mutual feelings.
That they are entitled to such even of small trinkets that there eyes do not seek.
As it’s trinkets blind to the naked eye that builds a good heart.
YOU HAVE A AMAZING HEART AND THAT IS TESTAMENT TO THAT OF YOUR PARENTS AND THERE IMPACT IN YOUR LIFE
Life is full of amazing times like being a kid, and generous gifts like life itself, and full of opportunity but only if we take it. But if we don’t…in TIME….amazing, generous and full of opportunity as life is, it slowly begins to take it all away until all we have are memories, and memories are times in our lives, and TIME IS eternity so even though his life ends its his amazing, generous and opportunity packed life that will always be remembered.
Reply
Vickie Zerbe
April 3, 2015 at 6:13 am
My deepest sympathy to Betsy and her children. Tom will be missed by so many.
Reply
Tim Knarian
April 3, 2015 at 8:57 am
Betsy,I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers for you and your family. God Blessed us all with Tom…. We were all lucky to know and work with him.
Reply
Naomi Holly-Bryant
April 3, 2015 at 9:28 am
My deepest thoughts and prayers to Tammy, Toms wife, his children and grand children. As so many others, i knew Tom from scouts. While they were in scouts Tom was like another brother to me. So many memories of Tom, Frank Abbott and Elmer Holly jr together. Although our hearts ache from his departure, he is smiling down on his loved ones and so many of his friends and is honored to be so loved & missed
Reply
Dar Strickler
April 3, 2015 at 10:29 am
Sorry for your loss. Tom was a great guys to work with, always took the extra step to help out. He will be missed.
Reply
Mark Pearson
April 3, 2015 at 12:15 pm
Betsy so very sorry to hear of Tom’s passing, I worked side by side with Tom for many years at Menasha. Me and my family’s prayers are with you all.
Reply
Cathy Skiver (Abbott)
April 3, 2015 at 12:56 pm
Many thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of Tom. I have lots of happy memories being next door neighbors as teenager’s.
Reply
Elizabeth Evans Grit
April 3, 2015 at 1:23 pm
Betsy and Family: prayers coming your way in the loss of your husband and dad. I pray that God will wrap his arms around you as you go on without him.
Love, Betty
Reply
Melanie Hooker
April 3, 2015 at 1:49 pm
Betsy, I am so very very sorry. You and your family are in my thoughts.
Reply
Debbie (Doxey) Vist
April 3, 2015 at 3:09 pm
Tammy, Betsy & family. I am so very sorry to learn of Toms passing and yet another loss to your family. My heart absolutely hurts for you. As Tammy mentioned a few short months ago, our families did share so many fun times together; camping, fishing, snowmobiling, drinking a beer….; times that I will never forget. Please know that I’m thinking of you as you walk through this most difficult time.
Reply
Isaac Pratt
April 3, 2015 at 3:41 pm
Tom was a great man. I enjoyed the time I got to know him and his family. My prayers go out to his family.
Reply
Steve Slater
April 3, 2015 at 5:29 pm
Tom was a great neighbor to have growing up, he was like one of my big brothers. He was always one of the good guys. So sorry Betsy for his early passing. God bless you and the whole family at this difficult time.
Reply
Mike Doxey
April 3, 2015 at 6:06 pm
Our deepest sympathy’s from the Doxey family.
Reply
Cecile (Abbott) Thompson
April 3, 2015 at 6:31 pm
My thoughts go out to Tammy and Tom’s family. Tom will always be doing the things he loves while watching over all of you. Fly free and be happy Tom!
Reply
Kim & Bryon Sheldon
April 4, 2015 at 1:23 pm
Tammy and family, we were so sorry to hear about Tom. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Bryon & Kim Sheldon
TN
Reply
Tom Magierka
April 4, 2015 at 4:11 pm
Betty,
I am so sorry for your loss,Toms” passing is loss for all that knew him.I worked with him and his dad at Menasha for many years. Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Reply
Linda Shumaker
April 4, 2015 at 5:12 pm
Betsy, and family. So sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. What a shock. He was so young. Miss you guys fishing here. Take care. Tony and Linda Shumaker
Reply
Roger & Carol Crisman
April 5, 2015 at 8:00 am
Betsy and family, so sorry to hear of Toms passing he was a really great person.
Reply
Norm & Sally Cook
April 6, 2015 at 6:32 am
Our deepest sympathy for the passing of Tom. He was truly a great guy and will be dearly missed.
Reply
Christal Boerman
April 8, 2015 at 5:51 pm
Betsy, I am so very sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. My heartfelt condolences and prayers go out to you and your children.
Reply
Bruce and Brenda Carroll
April 9, 2015 at 7:28 pm
Betsy, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. So sorry for your loss.
Reply
Tammy Lutes
April 17, 2015 at 8:40 pm
To all that left messages in Tom’s memory, I sincerely thank you! Tom and I came into the world together, as twins…but I guess it was not meant for us to go out that way. I love you brother! You were my first true friend and my only sibling. We have always understood each other, even without words. You were a amazing person and the best brother a girl could have. Until we meet again…rest in peace and say hi to mom and dad for me. Miss you all dearly! ❤️
Reply
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He was born March 12, 1962 in Plainwell, the son of Ernest and Betty (Foote) Lutes. Tom was a 1980 Otsego High School graduate. After high school Tom worked at Menasha for 24 ½ years as a senior bulldozer operator until they closed. He was currently employed at Perrigo for the past 6 years. Tom was a member of the Order of the Arrow and was also an Eagle Scout. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, and being outside. He was excellent at smoking food and was well known for his fish fries and chili cook-offs. Tom loved spending time with his family especially his grandsons, he also loved fishing with his wife and dog. On June 4, 1983 at the Martin United Methodist Church he married Betsy, also surviving are his children, James (Cora) Lutes and Jesse (Joseph) Lechner both stationed with the US Navy in Norfolk, VA; 3 grandchildren, Clayton “CJ” Lutes, Joseph Lechner, Jaxon Lechner and another due soon; his twin sister Tammy Lutes of Holland, along with several nieces and grand-nieces.
Cremation has taken place and a private family service will be held.
Contributions in memory of Tom may be made to the Otsego Boy Scouts Troop 3098.
Messages of condolence may be posted at www.
WinkelFuneralHome
.com
Offer Condolence for the family of Thomas A. Lutes
Condolence Messages
Rodney Wall
April 2, 2015 at 3:39 pm
Tom was a great man to work with at Perrigo and will truly be missed by all of us.
Reply
Dick and Sylvia Davs
April 2, 2015 at 4:14 pm
Betsy and Family. So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Reply
Mike Rankin
April 2, 2015 at 5:04 pm
Betsy, I was so sorry to hear about Tom. If there is anything I can do for you please call. Mike.
Reply
Jim Hoffman
April 2, 2015 at 5:10 pm
Betsy and family, so sorry for your loss. Tom was a great man and always a joy to work with back in the “Menasha Days”. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Reply
Lori Hover Burrows
April 2, 2015 at 6:17 pm
My thoughts and prayers to the family – May God bless and keep you all in his presence
Reply
Class of 1980
April 2, 2015 at 8:13 pm
The Class of 1980 is saddened to learn the passing of Tom! We are sending deepest sympathy to the Lutes family!
Reply
Joe Gardiner
April 2, 2015 at 8:31 pm
Tom was such a great friend to so many. Loved his family and had such a passion for many things. He loved to bring spicy things into work for us all. He will be sorely missed. Thoughts with the Lutes family.
Reply
Theresa Irving
April 2, 2015 at 9:05 pm
So sorry about Tom. My deepest sympathy goes to the family.
Reply
Mark Midose
April 2, 2015 at 9:12 pm
Rest in peace Tom.
Reply
Frank Aboott
April 2, 2015 at 10:09 pm
I had a good childhood with Tom. He was a good man and neighbor. You will be truely missed.
Reply
Terry Meyer
April 2, 2015 at 10:41 pm
Tammy and family I am so sorry to hear this. Heaven has another Angel to watch over you. I have memories of our childhood the creek and ball games. Keeping you in my prayers. R.I.H Tom
Reply
Joyce Irons Buckallew
April 3, 2015 at 12:29 am
So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers to the family. May God be by your side to help you through this.
Reply
Jason Kibiloski
April 3, 2015 at 12:48 am
I didn’t know enough about Tom, always so reserved. He was well respected by us on 3rd shift. First one to want a DTO, last one to ever complain. I was always a little afraid to try the spicy stuff at the potlucks. I’m so sorry he isn’t with us anymore. My heartfelt sympathy to his immediate family from his work family.
Reply
Bryan Risner
April 3, 2015 at 1:49 am
So sorry family n friends… A great guy. R.I.P Mr. Tom
Reply
PETER SANCHEZ
April 3, 2015 at 3:33 am
Jesse and I have been friends for a long time growing up. I can say her father is a man I wish I had come to know growing up with her as she has the biggest heart and she was a primary support for me when I lost a parent. I can only try and make my condolences to her thru my writing.
Embrace empty feelings to a future full of happiness yet to be rewarded in kind to all with mutual feelings.
That they are entitled to such even of small trinkets that there eyes do not seek.
As it’s trinkets blind to the naked eye that builds a good heart.
YOU HAVE A AMAZING HEART AND THAT IS TESTAMENT TO THAT OF YOUR PARENTS AND THERE IMPACT IN YOUR LIFE
Life is full of amazing times like being a kid, and generous gifts like life itself, and full of opportunity but only if we take it. But if we don’t…in TIME….amazing, generous and full of opportunity as life is, it slowly begins to take it all away until all we have are memories, and memories are times in our lives, and TIME IS eternity so even though his life ends its his amazing, generous and opportunity packed life that will always be remembered.
Reply
Vickie Zerbe
April 3, 2015 at 6:13 am
My deepest sympathy to Betsy and her children. Tom will be missed by so many.
Reply
Tim Knarian
April 3, 2015 at 8:57 am
Betsy,I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers for you and your family. God Blessed us all with Tom…. We were all lucky to know and work with him.
Reply
Naomi Holly-Bryant
April 3, 2015 at 9:28 am
My deepest thoughts and prayers to Tammy, Toms wife, his children and grand children. As so many others, i knew Tom from scouts. While they were in scouts Tom was like another brother to me. So many memories of Tom, Frank Abbott and Elmer Holly jr together. Although our hearts ache from his departure, he is smiling down on his loved ones and so many of his friends and is honored to be so loved & missed
Reply
Dar Strickler
April 3, 2015 at 10:29 am
Sorry for your loss. Tom was a great guys to work with, always took the extra step to help out. He will be missed.
Reply
Mark Pearson
April 3, 2015 at 12:15 pm
Betsy so very sorry to hear of Tom’s passing, I worked side by side with Tom for many years at Menasha. Me and my family’s prayers are with you all.
Reply
Cathy Skiver (Abbott)
April 3, 2015 at 12:56 pm
Many thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of Tom. I have lots of happy memories being next door neighbors as teenager’s.
Reply
Elizabeth Evans Grit
April 3, 2015 at 1:23 pm
Betsy and Family: prayers coming your way in the loss of your husband and dad. I pray that God will wrap his arms around you as you go on without him.
Love, Betty
Reply
Melanie Hooker
April 3, 2015 at 1:49 pm
Betsy, I am so very very sorry. You and your family are in my thoughts.
Reply
Debbie (Doxey) Vist
April 3, 2015 at 3:09 pm
Tammy, Betsy & family. I am so very sorry to learn of Toms passing and yet another loss to your family. My heart absolutely hurts for you. As Tammy mentioned a few short months ago, our families did share so many fun times together; camping, fishing, snowmobiling, drinking a beer….; times that I will never forget. Please know that I’m thinking of you as you walk through this most difficult time.
Reply
Isaac Pratt
April 3, 2015 at 3:41 pm
Tom was a great man. I enjoyed the time I got to know him and his family. My prayers go out to his family.
Reply
Steve Slater
April 3, 2015 at 5:29 pm
Tom was a great neighbor to have growing up, he was like one of my big brothers. He was always one of the good guys. So sorry Betsy for his early passing. God bless you and the whole family at this difficult time.
Reply
Mike Doxey
April 3, 2015 at 6:06 pm
Our deepest sympathy’s from the Doxey family.
Reply
Cecile (Abbott) Thompson
April 3, 2015 at 6:31 pm
My thoughts go out to Tammy and Tom’s family. Tom will always be doing the things he loves while watching over all of you. Fly free and be happy Tom!
Reply
Kim & Bryon Sheldon
April 4, 2015 at 1:23 pm
Tammy and family, we were so sorry to hear about Tom. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Bryon & Kim Sheldon
TN
Reply
Tom Magierka
April 4, 2015 at 4:11 pm
Betty,
I am so sorry for your loss,Toms” passing is loss for all that knew him.I worked with him and his dad at Menasha for many years. Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Reply
Linda Shumaker
April 4, 2015 at 5:12 pm
Betsy, and family. So sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. What a shock. He was so young. Miss you guys fishing here. Take care. Tony and Linda Shumaker
Reply
Roger & Carol Crisman
April 5, 2015 at 8:00 am
Betsy and family, so sorry to hear of Toms passing he was a really great person.
Reply
Norm & Sally Cook
April 6, 2015 at 6:32 am
Our deepest sympathy for the passing of Tom. He was truly a great guy and will be dearly missed.
Reply
Christal Boerman
April 8, 2015 at 5:51 pm
Betsy, I am so very sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. My heartfelt condolences and prayers go out to you and your children.
Reply
Bruce and Brenda Carroll
April 9, 2015 at 7:28 pm
Betsy, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. So sorry for your loss.
Reply
Tammy Lutes
April 17, 2015 at 8:40 pm
To all that left messages in Tom’s memory, I sincerely thank you! Tom and I came into the world together, as twins…but I guess it was not meant for us to go out that way. I love you brother! You were my first true friend and my only sibling. We have always understood each other, even without words. You were a amazing person and the best brother a girl could have. Until we meet again…rest in peace and say hi to mom and dad for me. Miss you all dearly! ❤️
Reply
Leave a Condolence
Cancel reply
Please share your message of condolence with the family, It will be visible to the public but your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked
*
Comment
*
Name
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*
Δ
Obituary Notification Service
Enter your email address if you would like to be notified when a new obituary notice is posted:
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How do I send a condolence
At the bottom of this page, you will find a condolence form. You will need to fill out some basic information prior to typing your message. (We will not share your e-mail address with anyone) Once you are finished, simply click the submit condolence button. The condolence will be approved before it is published to the web site.
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