William J. Lutz

Age 71, passed away on Monday, November 7, 2011 at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, following a heart attack. 

He was born on February 2, 1940, in Saline, MI, the only son of Arthur and Mildred (Whitman) Lutz. Bill attended Forbes School and graduated from Clinton High School in 1957. Later he took an agricultural short course at MSU. He was in the United States Army between 1963 – 1965 and was stationed in Germany where he made many German friends. He spent his life, except for during his time in the Army, on the family farm where he was the fourth generation, his great-grandfather having purchased the farm in 1882. 

He was one of the first members of the Saline 4H Farmers and later the leader for years. He was a member of St. Johns Lutheran Church in Bridgewater, president of Washtenaw Farm council in the late 60’s and had recently been again elected as a board member. In addition he was a life member of the Saline American Legion, a member of the Holstein-Friesian Association, and a member of the Michigan Horticultural Society. He had an extensive knowledge of the history of Saline Township and could identify most farms back to the original settlers. He was a volunteer weather reporter for the National Weather Service for over 25 years. Now our favorite groundhog has gone to be with the Lord. 

Survivors include his sister Ruth, nephew John Broesamle, John’s fiancé Tammy Polzin, and her daughters; Cassidy, Chrissy, and Katie. He is also survived by his cousins and a host of friends, and his cows. He was preceded in death by his parents, and brother-in-law Allen Broesamle.  

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, November 12, 2011, at 11:00 A.M. at St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church in Bridgewater, MI, with Rev. Kathleen Meyers, officiating. Bill was not a person fond of flowers, so the family requests that you honor his memory and give contributions to St. Johns Lutheran Church or to Washtenaw Farm Council for the 4H Youth Show. Burial will follow the service at Oakwood Cemetery in Saline, and graveside services will be held under the auspices of the Washtenaw County Veterans Honor Guard. Envelopes will be available at the Robison-Bahnmiller Funeral Home in Saline where friends may begin calling on Friday, November 11, 2011, between the hours of 1:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. and at the Church on Saturday, November 12, 2011, from 9:30 A.M. until time of service at 11:00 A.M. To sign Bill’s guestbook or to leave a memory visit http://obits.mlive.com/obituaries/annarbor/ or for more information or directions please visit www.rbfhsaline.com.