John "Jack" Lutz

Born at home on July 9, 1931 in South Pekin to Howard George and Mildred Jeanette (McCord) Lutz, he married Phyllis Marie Heilman on June 30, 1956 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Green Valley. She survives.

Surviving are two daughters, Kathy (Rudy) Plasencio of Las Cruces, New Mexico and Kristi Copeland of Austin, Texas; one son, Joel (Emperatriz) Lutz of Lemon Grove, California; three grandchildren, Jeffrey (Sara) Mayer of Bloomington, Jacqueline "Jackie" Rauly of Andernos-Les-Bain, France and Jed Howard Lutz of Lemon Grove, California; three great-grandchildren, Emma Mayer, Jenna Rauly and Deiva Rauly; one brother, Robert Lutz of Pekin; one sister-in-law, Sandy Lutz of Pekin and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Eugene "Gene" Lutz and one sister-in-law, Rose Mary Lutz.

He was a 1949 graduate of Pekin Community High School and attended Bradley University. He then served in the United States Navy during the Korean War. Jack was a proud member of the American Legion.

He last worked for Podiatry Arts Lab in Pekin before retiring. His career included positions as a machinist at Lehn & Fink in Lincoln, a long tenure at Hiram Walker in Peoria, and roles at Keystone Steel & Wire Company and Caterpillar, Inc. Even in retirement, Jack continued to contribute to his community by working part-time as a custodian at the United States Post Office in South Pekin and as a bailiff at the Tazewell County Courthouse in Pekin.

Jack's commitment to his community was unwavering. He served as President of the Village Board in South Pekin for 8 years, following 12 years as a Village Board Member. He also was a past president of his local union for the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers.

A devout member of St. John's (Sand Prairie) Lutheran Church in rural Green Valley, Jack served the church as president of the congregation and was a former elder. His faith and leadership were integral parts of his life.

His memorial service will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday, April 6, 2026 at St. John's (Sand Prairie) Lutheran Church in rural Green Valley. Pastor Chris Sansom and DCE William Krueger will officiate. Inurnment will follow the service in Sand Prairie Cemetery, with military rites accorded by the United States Navy and the Tazewell Area Ceremonial Team. Arrangements have been entrusted to Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. John's Lutheran Church, 13443 Townline Road, Green Valley, IL 61534 or to Good Shepherd Lutheran School, 3201 Court Street, Pekin, IL 61534.

To express condolences, visit www.Preston-Hanley.com