Joe Lutterman

Joseph Anthony Lutterman was called to heaven on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2015, from his home in Wasioja. He was 61 years old.

Joe was born on Oct. 25, 1953, in Jackson, to Vernon and Charlotte (Schott) Lutterman. He graduated from Dodge Center High School in 1971. He joined the U.S. Air Force in 1972, and was stationed in Tacoma, Wash. When he got out of the service, he attended college at St. Mary's University and Winona State University, and graduated with a degree in computer science. He married Cindy Bute, from Jackson, on May 7, 1977. He worked as a computer programmer at IBM in Rochester, and as an information technology department manager at Wenger Corporation in Owatonna, and he ended his professional career at Southeast Service Cooperative in Rochester.

Joe is survived by his loving wife, Cindy Bute Lutterman; his daughter, Katy, and her husband, Niall McNeilus, of Dodge Center; his son, Luke Lutterman, and his wife, Jill, from Sauk Rapids; and his youngest daughter, Alison Lutterman, of Rochester.

He is also survived by his father, Vernon J. Lutterman, who lives in Hudson, Wis.; five grandchildren, Cohen and Andrew McNeilus, and Blake, Aidan and Isabella Lutterman. Joe also leaves six sisters and one brother, Kathleen (Dale) Romo, of Villa Rica, Ga., Melanie (Ben) Lovingood, of Middleburg, Fla., Mary (Arnie) Wilke, of Woodbury, Anne Lutterman, of Hudson, Wis. Elizabeth Allred, of Tucson, Ariz., Lynn (John) Dewall, and Bill (Debbie) Lutterman, of Hudson, Wis. Additionally, Joe leaves Marge (Gary) Elzen, of Faribault, Ken (Linda) Bute, of Jackson, Ilene (Gordy) Ruskell, of Jackson, Dale (Liz) Bute, of Sioux Falls, S.D., and Tom (Kelly) Bute, Rochester. He also had 40 nieces and nephews.

His mother, Charlotte A. Lutterman, who passed away in January 2015, preceded him in death.

Joe's greatest joy in life was his family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, son and brother. He was a good man, a generous man, and a peacemaker. He believed in God and the goodness of others. He especially looked forward to and enjoyed helping others, and Friday evenings out with his wife and their friends, Tom and Kelly Bute. He lived in rural Dodge Center, just a few miles from his parents' home. He was a dutiful son, and helped his parents daily without complaint. He enjoyed construction projects and especially building decks for others with his friend and brother-in-law, Tom. His main interests included working in the yard, staying busy with his grandchildren by planting corn with Cohen, playing ball with Aidan, watching Cohen and Andrew play hockey, reading and playing with Isabella and watching Blake grow day by day.

Joe enjoyed following all Minnesota sports, and was an avid Minnesota Twins, Vikings and Gophers fan. He was a very talented musician and enjoyed singing along with his family throughout the years. He initiated and organized the yearly family fishing trip to Canada for the sole purpose of uniting family. For 18 years, the fishing tradition has continued, and a greater love of family has been the result, of which he is very proud. It was his wish that this trip continue on through the generations for many years to come. Joe loved life, and lived it to the fullest. He had a contagious laugh, he cried, he danced, he sang and truly enjoyed the ride. In his last days on earth, Joe continued to teach us that love is what is important, to know and appreciate the greatness of a family, but most of all, to live a faith-filled and honorable life. He left us all too soon, but he would say his blessings in life were abundant. He hated to leave us, but he fully accepted his assignment. It is easy to say that we are all better for having had him in our lives.

Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18, at Czaplewski Family Funeral Home, 25 South St. SW, Dodge Center, and one hour before the service at the church on Saturday. The funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at St. John Baptist de la Salle Catholic Church, 20 Second St. NE in Dodge Center. Interment will be at St. Margaret Catholic Cemetery in Mantorville.

Blessed be his memory.