Werner Lutz

Werner was born in Bay Shore, Long Island, NY to the late Hugo and Margarete (Schroeder) Lutz on February 18, 1931. He attended Potsdam State Teachers College (now SUNY Potsdam) to become a music teacher. While there, he met Brenda Ward, and they were married right after graduation in 1953. As was expected in those days, Werner enlisted in the Army and was stationed at Fort Dix, NJ where he played in the band. He often downplayed his military duty by claiming he fought the battle of the NJ Turnpike.

Upon his discharge, he and Brenda moved to Long Island where he played his trumpet professionally and taught music in public school. In 1966, a brand-new high school opened in Sussex County, NJ and Werner moved his family to Branchville. He was an original faculty member of High Point Regional High School as the supervisor of music and the instrumental teacher, as well as the musical director of the plays. He composed the school’s alma mater, “Praising High Point” and co-wrote the fight song, “Wildcat Roar” with Ed Molina. To this day, his former students reach out to share the enormous impact he had on not only their musical, but personal development. While at High Point, he was a respected leader and served as the president of the Education Association. He remained there until his retirement from education in 1986.

Werner was a world-class trumpet player. He often reflected that he considered himself a musician who taught school to pay the bills. A member of the NYC Local 802 Musicians Union, he played most weekend nights in the greater metropolitan area. When he came to NJ, he served as the conductor of the Sussex County Symphony. After leaving his teaching position, he played the trumpet for Bob Crosby and the Bobcats and later, became a member of the Dixieland band “Swing ‘N Dixie.” During this part of his career, he recorded a number of albums, played one of Ronald Reagan’s Inaugural Balls, and performed around the world, including behind the Iron Curtain.

In June of 2009, Brenda and Werner moved to Bristol Glen. Brenda passed in October of that year and Werner again became a well-known and respected member of a new community. He served on various resident committees including as the VP of the Residents Council.

Along with his parents and his wife, Brenda, Werner was predeceased by his sister Peggy Cronin. He is survived by his children Deborah Anderson (James), Jeffrey Lutz (Jenny), and Michael Lutz (Laurie); his grandchildren, Derek Anderson (Melissa Kibbe), Julie Clawson (Ben), Annie Lutz (Austin Begley), Matthew Lutz (Taddy), David Lutz (Stephanie), and Rebecca Williams (Christopher); and his great-grandchildren, Egan Anderson Kibbe; Leonard, Joni, and Mavis Clawson; Evelyn and Enson Begley; Auron Lutz; and Lily Williams. He is also survived by his best friend and Scrabble partner, Cynthia Ayers of Bristol Glen.

While his life was filled with undeniable accomplishments, his greatest joy and source of pride was his family.

There will be a Celebration of Life held at Bristol Glen later this month.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Wood Funeral Home.

Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.woodfuneralhome.net