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Wendell Lutes Obituary

PEORIA - Wendell "John" Lutes, 75, of Peoria passed away at 1:40 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 3, 2013, at Proctor Hospital in Peoria.

John was born Jan. 2, 1938, in Indianapolis, Ind., to Ralph and Rita (Salb) Lutes. He married Virginia Miller in Sandusky, Ohio, on May 7, 1966. She survives, along with several cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

He worked as a respiratory therapist at OSF Saint Francis Hospital and Proctor Hospital before retiring.

John graduated with a Bachelor's of Science degree from Ohio State University.

He was a master chess player.

He was a member of Salem Lutheran Church in Peoria, where a memorial service will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2013, with the Rev. Stephen Barnes officiating. There will be no visitation. Cremation has been accorded.

Schmidt-Haller Burial and Cremation Services in Peoria is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Salem Lutheran Church or to the donor's choice.


To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Peoria Journal Star on Jan. 4, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Wendell Lutes

Not sure what to say?





Murrel Rhodes

December 30, 2023

One of John Lutes drawing of a chess king is currently part of the Greater Peoria Chess Foundation's logo.

Hans Victor von Maltzahn

January 8, 2021

January 11, 2013

Goodbye John -- the correspondence chess community will miss you.
Pax, Alex Dunne, USCF CC Director

Jeanne Nelson

January 7, 2013

Worked with John at OSF and between Gary and him, there was alot of laughter. Also kept in touch with John through my job at Proctor Medical Equipment. He was an inspiration to alot of respiratory therapy students at OSF.

Gary Johnson

January 7, 2013

Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.

Worked with John in Springfield and OSF

Lynne Smith

January 4, 2013

I will never forget you "John".. You taught me so much as a very young Respiratory Therapist at OSF...Thank you for passing on your wisdom and most of all your humor and patience. Lynne (Marion)..

Murrel Rhodes

January 4, 2013

John was a great chess player with an exciting love of the game and a noted chess author of 9 scholarly chess books. We went to tournaments together and sparred often during our playing days. I will miss him greatly. Thank you John, for everything.

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Funeral services provided by:

Schmidt-Haller Burial and Cremation Service

1625 W Candletree Drive Suite D, Peoria, IL 61614

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