Obituary of Nick Lutzko

A memorial folder from the funeral service may be printed under the "Memories" tab, then choose "Memorial Program". Nick Edward Lutzko was born on December 9, 1916 on the family farm in the Goodeve district. He was the eldest son of John and Pearl (nee Pohrebny) Lutzko and had six siblings Henry, Joseph, Pauline, Rosie, Allan and Edward. On June 6, 1939, Nick married Sophie Jarotski and they took up farming as a way of life. They farmed in two different locations before finally settling, in 1946, 10 miles south of Ituna. Nick and Sophie had five daughters Verna, Phyllis (died in infancy), Linda, Jane and Sharon. Sophie died in 1978. On May 3, 1980 Nick married Mary Grebinski and added five step-children to his family - Bernie, Emily, Eugene, Elaine and Orest. Nick was a man of many talents - a true jack-of-all- trades. He used his varied skills to build a farming operation which included growing grains, raising pork and beef for market, building bins and buildings for himself and his neighbors, doing minor veterinarian procedures and keeping his equipment running smoothly, sometimes with handmade parts if necessary. After retiring in 1990, he took up woodworking and furniture refurbishing and refinishing of antiques. Many stopped by his little workshop across the street from where he lived to drop off a bit of furniture that needed fixing, to order a custom made piece of furniture or just to chat for a while. He made everything from lawn ornaments and whirly-gigs to decorative oak tables. He always liked to keep busy so it was not unusual to see him changing a door knob for someone, tilling a garden or two, fixing an appliance, some minor electrical or plumbing repair was up his alley as well. Nick could be counted on to help anyone in need but his life was not all work - he played musical instruments in his early years, loved to play baseball, was glad to get out on the lake and fish the day away, loved a good game of horseshoes and just spending time with family and friends. He regularly attended Sunday mass and was very active in the church community serving in many capacities and was a life time member of the Knights of Columbus. He was truly a really good man - doing the best and being the best that he could be always to his family, friends and neighbors alike. Generous of heart, happy in spirit, loving and giving, honest and open, caring and compassionate, trustworthy and trusting, quiet and unassuming yet witty and a good conversationalist - someone very easy to be with, talk with and laugh with. He will be missed so terribly for all that he was and all that he brought into our lives. Nick passed away with his daughters and grandchildren by his side on Thursday, January 27, 2011 at the age of 94. He was predeceased by his father John, his first wife Sophie, his daughter Phyllis and brothers Henry and Joe. Nick is survived by his wife Mary, mother Pearl, daughters Verna (Joe) Adamiak, Linda Smuk, Jane (David) Filarczuk, and Sharon (Tim Sanson) Cohen. He has 12 grandchildren: Diane (Bob) Mennie, Angela (Trevor) Polegi, Jaclyn Adamiak, Jamie (Terrilean Solomon) Adamiak, Rachelle (Ryan) Rydzik, Danielle (Brad) McLeod, Marie (Mike) Hankewich, Owen (Geraldine) Lutzko, Darren and Layton Filarczuk, Daniel and Mathew (Kelsey) Cohen and 10 great grandchildren Mykaela and Kalen Mennie; Maddisyn, Stevan and Mayson Polegi; Kaitlyn and Morgan Rydzik and Saydee McLeod; Taylor and Brooklyn Lutzko. He also has 5 step children: Bernie (Sharon) Grebinski, Emily Onieu, Eugene (Debbie) Grebinski, Elaine (Dave) Elash, Orest (Roseanne) Grebinski and their families. Nick is also survived by his siblings: Pauline Schinborn, Rosie Konjolka, Allan (Mary), Edward (Julie); sister-in-law Elsie Lutzko and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Service Information Monday, January 31st, 2011 10:30am, St. Stanislaus Roman Catholic Church Interment Details Ituna R.C. Cemetery