Max Duane Lutke

Max Duane Lutke, 92, of Bartlesville, Oklahoma, passed away on December 16, 2025. He was born on July 14, 1933, at family home in northern Washington County near Wann to Herman Martin Lutke and Nina Davis Lutke. He grew up on the family farm and completed elementary education at Pleasant View Grade School, a one-room brick school, as valedictorian of his eighth grade class. He later graduated from Copan High School.

After graduating from high school Max proudly served his country in the United States Army for three years. Following his service, he earned a bachelor's degree in education from Kansas State Teachers College of Pittsburg, now Pittsburg State University.

He spent many years as an educator and coach, first in Copan, OK and then Bartlesville, OK. He retired from the Bartlesville School District. After leaving education, Max embarked on a second career in real estate, where he worked for more than 35 years and built many lasting relationships throughout the community.

Those who knew Max remember him as a personable man who valued friendship and conversation. He enjoyed being around people, and many shared that they simply enjoyed his company. Over the years, Max became a familiar presence to many in Bartlesville, where he formed friendships through both his professional and personal life. He will be missed by many in the Bartlesville community. He had been active in the local Rotary Club and Hillcrest Country Club.

Max is survived by his wife, Louise; his children, Rod, Terry, Haskell, Valorie, Melissa, and Scott; and his stepson, Dale, 16 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. Sisters Lois Lewis (Ron), Carol Deaton and Marty Lutke (Cecelia) and sister-in-law Ann Lutke as well as several nieces and nephews, cousins and a host of friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Herman Rex and Robert Gail and brother-in-law John Deaton.