Amelia Augusta Lutzke, 90, of Merrill, passed away Saturday, Dec. 11, 2010 at Pine Crest Nursing Home in Merrill.
She was born Dec. 13, 1919 to the late Otto and Bertha (Plank) Pfantz in the Town of Schley. Amelia married Fred Lutzke on April 10, 1937 in the Town of Schley. He preceded her in death on Dec. 10, 1983.
Amelia attended Plamann School in the Town of Schley. She was a homemaker, waitress and had worked at the Oconomowoc Canning Company in Merrill. Ameila also helped her husband dairy farm and in later years she raised beef cattle and chickens. She also did cooking for the Bosio Construction Company crew. Amelia was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Irma where she had served as a Sunday School teacher, Sunday School Superintendent and was a member of The Alter Guild Society.
Amelia loved knitting, crocheting and fishing with her cane pole. She also enjoyed doing crossword puzzles. Amelia was famous for her homemade noodles. She and her husband were very caring people, taking in brothers, nieces and nephews to live in their home for many years and also giving their time to take care of other nieces and nephews as needed. They also helped care for children of their neighbors and friends and helped with other needs. Amelia’s favorite thing to say was, “Always keep love on the top shelf.”
Survivors include daughter Joyce (John) Lee; grandchildren, Steve (Sharon) Lee, Bruce (Pamela) Lee, Jeremy (Sara) Lee, and Kelley (Mike) Natzke, all of Merrill; 14 great-grandchildren, Rachel, Jon, Robert, Kostya, John, Sarah, Cassie, Josh, Marissa, Ben, Matt, Sasha, Anton and Ivan; 12 great-great-grandchildren, all of Merrill; brother Floyd (Lucille) Pfantz, Wausau; sisters, Alvira Younker and Salma Baumann, both of Merrill; and sister-in-law Joyce Pfantz, Merrill. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Fred Lutzke; brothers, Paul, Erich, Carl, Roscoe and Ernest Pfantz; and sister Sophie Henderson.
Services will be held 10:30 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 19, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. The Rev. Hans Heisinger will officiate. Visitation will be from 1-5 PM on Sunday, Dec. 18, at Waid Funeral Home and again Monday morning from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. before the service at the church. Burial will be at Merrill Memorial Park. Memorials may be given to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Irma or the charity of choice.
Amelia’s family would like to thank all the special people who cared for her at Pine Crest Nursing Home.
Waid Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.