Gregory J. Lutz

Gregory J. Lutz

Gregory J. Lutz of Gulfport passed away on Saturday, August 7, 2004, at the age of 57, surrounded by his loving family. He will be sadly missed by his wife of 31 years and his three daughters.

Originally from Rockford, Illinois, Mr. Lutz had been a Gulfport resident since 1973. Mr. Lutz graduated from the College of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota in 1969. He was commissioned into the US Air Force, and he served for 3 1/2 years as an active duty information officer. In 1973, Mr. Lutz married Rita Edna Moran from Kiln, and they settled in Gulfport.

Mr. Lutz retired as a Major from the Mississippi Army National Guard after 18 years of reserve and active duty. His favorite assignments were his two as an instructor. For the last four years, Mr. Lutz taught government and law-related studies at Harrison Central High School, where he was also the Key Club advisor. He loved teaching more than any other position he ever held. He enjoyed interacting with his students, and he treasured the friendships with his co-workers.

Mr. Lutz held a life-long love for the University of Notre Dame, and his favorite part of the year was his annual trip to the campus for a football game with family and friends. He was most proud that his daughters shared this love-one an alumna of Notre Dame, one an alumna of St. Mary's College, and one a junior at St. Mary's. He was also a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Gulfport, where he served as a Eucharistic minister to the homebound.

Mr. Lutz is preceded in death by his mother Charlotte Lutz and his infant daughter Kaitlyn. Those left behind to carry on his memory include his wife, Rita Edna, three daughters, Capt. Kristin Lutz, US Air Force, of Gulfport, LT. jg Natalie Lutz, US Navy, of San Diego, and Cadet Stephanie Lutz, US Air Force ROTC, of Gulfport, his father and stepmother, Edwin and Anne Lutz of Rockford, Illinois, three brothers, Gene and wife Patti Lutz of Phoenix, AZ, Tom and wife Catherine Lutz of San Antonio, TX, and Terry and wife Soumai Lutz of Phoenix, AZ, and an array of nieces, nephews, and sisters- and brothers in-law.

The visitation will be from 6-9 p.m. on Thursday, August 12 at Riemann Memorial Funeral Home, Hwy 49 N, Orange Grove with the rosary at 7:30 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, August 13 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 17th Street, Gulfport with visitation to take place an hour prior. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations to St. John Elementary School, 2415 17th St., Gulfport, 39501.