Thomas Michael Lutgen

July 18, 1946 - June 27, 2025 Thomas "Tom" Michael Lutgen passed away on Friday June 27, 2025, at the age of 78 in Palm Springs, CA. Born on July 18, 1946 , in Waukegan, IL, he was the son of Dorothy Moore Lutgen and Albin Henry Lutgen. He was preceded in death by his parents and his partner/husband of 43 years, Robert W. Conover, Jr. He leaves behind his loving partner and spouse of eleven years, John W. Miller of Palm Springs, his sister Patricia A. Lutgen of Riverside, his sister-in-law Marybeth McKenna of Palm Springs, and numerous cousins throughout the United States and Europe. Tom graduated from Ramona High School, Riverside, CA, and earned a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of California, Riverside. He received his Master's degree in Library Science from the University of Southern California. He began his library career as a library aide at the Riverside Public Library. After receiving his Master's degree, Tom worked as a librarian at the Santa Ana and City of Commerce libraries. He joined the Los Angeles Times in 1980 and served as Reference and Research Supervisor until he was promoted to Director of the Editorial Library. He was a member of the American Libraries Association, and, while serving as chair of the Special Libraries Association, Tom received an award from the business news division. After leaving the LA Times, he moved to Maui and began working at the Hawaii Business Research Library in Kihei, HI. Upon returning to the mainland, Tom worked at the Palm Springs and Rancho Mirage public libraries. After retirement, he volunteered at St. Paul's in the Desert Episcopal Church in Palm Springs, CA, where he created a library for the use of adults and children of the parish. Tom will be remembered and cherished by his family and friends for his work ethic, kind heart and infectious laugh. We celebrate his life and legacy, but mourn his passing. Memorial donations may be made the to the World Literacy Foundation, https://worldliteracyfoundation.org, the Lewy Body Dementia Association, https://www.lbda.org, or a charity of your choice. Inurnment to be private. Memorial service date will be posted in the near future at the Wiefel's website, https://www.wiefels.com. We would like to acknowledge the thoughtful, loving assistance of MS Care LLC, http://www.mscaregiving@gmail.com, and Bella Terrace Hospice, http:www.bellaterracare.com.