John Lautze

John Lautze John died peacefully on Saturday, March 19 surrounded by his loving family. He was preceded in death by his beloved son, Christopher Clemens Lautze at age 19 in 1972. John is survived by his cherished wife of 60 years, Theresa Marie Benoit Lautze; his children, Lynnirma Lautze Fonseca and husband Juan-Carlos, Martin Lautze, Constance Bertlshofer and husband Craig, and Tricia Gaudio and husband Greg; and grandchildren, Luke Devlin Watts, Eowyn Watts Ferraro and husband Gregg, Er3yn Gaudio and Kyle Gaudio, and great-grandchild Mason Alexander Ferraro. John also is survived by his brother Joseph Lautze and wife Tempa and sister-in-law Patricia Benoit McDiarmid, widow of his oldest and closest friend, Frederick McDiarmid, and numerous nieces and nephews. John was a native of San Francisco and a third generation Californian. He attended St. Ignatius High School and is a U.S. Navy Veteran. He attended Susanville Junior College where John's innate sense of humor was first revealed in the college's stage production of "Arsenic and Old Lace." It was also in college when John discovered his lifelong love of American Literature. John's life's portrait was designed with a palette of love of family, a commitment to God, compassion and wisdom and always a contagious sense of humor. His children learned at an early age that humor was a valuable tool that helped through the difficult times. His niece, Paula, remarked that, "Uncle Johnny always laughed at my jokes and I always laughed at his." John in turn, remarked with a twinkle, "Paula always laughs at my jokes!" During his retirement years John and Theresa volunteered for many years with Ukiah Plow Shares and Meals On Wheels. John was known for his compassion and generosity. Rather than place judgement on those whose lifestyles differed from his own, he expanded his scope of understanding. John's son Marty confided that when he came out, John thanked him for the confidence, saying that he always suspected his previous conceptions were wrong. Other friends and former neighbors observed between Theresa and John an enveloping compassion, constant kindness and affection and a great commitment to God. One friend confided that having lost his own father, "John filled the void for me." John's death leaves a large void in the hearts of his family who always relied upon his wisdom, great love and complete support. John, Daddy, Dad we love you. You will be sorely missed. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the Muscular Dystrophy Association in the name of Christopher C. Lautze or the charity of your choice in the name of Clemens John Lautze. Arrangements under the care of The Eversole Mortuary.