Wayne E Lutz

Wayne Eugene Lutz of Benkelman, Nebraska passed away peacefully on April 5, 2021, at the Dundy County Hospital at the age of 76 years, 3 months and 21 days, after experiencing a year of declining health.

Wayne was born in Benkelman on December 15, 1944, to Alfred George and Joanna Fay (Osborn) Lutz. The oldest of four sons, Wayne began his education in a one-room school, District 37, close to the family farm and was the only member of his graduating 8th grade class. He then attended Benkelman High School and graduated with the Class of 1963. Wayne began helping on the family farm at an early age. He developed a strong work ethic that he passed on to his children and grandchildren.

After graduating high school, Wayne was drafted into the United States Army and attended his basic training in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. He attained the rank of Sergeant. He served his country in Europe where he had many duties. He was a tank commander, truck driver, sharp shooter, and office clerk. Wayne was honorably discharged in 1967. At that time, he was able to continue his love of farming back in Dundy County.

After returning to Dundy County, he was joined in marriage to the love of his life, Gayle Jeane Blank, on March 15, 1969, in Parks, Nebraska, Wayne and Gayle’s marriage was built on selfless love and dedication to each other and a model for their family to cherish. Pastor Gleason recently renewed their vows in the presence of all their children and grandchildren. Wayne and Gayle were blessed with two children, Anita Christine and Michael Wayne.

Wayne and Gayle enjoyed watching their children and grandchildren grow up. They enjoyed watching their kids and grandkids grow up and especially enjoyed watching their personalities develop. You could always bring a smile to Wayne’s face when talking about his grandkids.

Wayne was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church where he served on the Church Council. He was also member of the Southwest Public Power District, Dundy County School Board, Benkelman/ Bird City Coop Board, Benkelman Cemetery Board, and a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Fay Lutz, Gayle’s parents, Dudley and Elaine Blank.

Wayne leaves to celebrate his life: his loving wife of 52 years, Gayle of Benkelman; his children: Anita Krejdl and her husband, Jeff, of Oxford, Nebraska; Mike Lutz and his wife, Ginger, of Benkelman; seven grandchildren; Austin Krejdl, and fiancée Paige of Oshkosh, Nebraska, Cole Lutz and fiancée Jylian, of Benkelman, Trent Krejdl of Oxford, Citori Lutz of Benkelman, Kara Krejdl of Oxford, Cheve Lutz of Benkelman and Char Lutz of Benkelman. Wayne is also survived by his brothers and sisters-in-law: Mardell Lutz and wife, Mary of Oshkosh, Joe Lutz and wife, Judy of Parks, Tony Lutz of Parks, Janice Buffington and husband, Jim of Terre Haute, Indiana and Jill Hibbs and husband Dwayne of Kearney, Nebraska.


Visitation will be held Friday morning, April 9, 2021, starting before services, 8:30 A.M. Mountain Daylight Time at Zion Lutheran Church of Benkelman.

Funeral Services will be held Friday morning, April 9, 2021, 10:30 A.M. Mountain Daylight Time at the Zion Lutheran Church of Benkelman, with Pastor Jim Gleason officiating. Interment will follow at the Benkelman, Cemetery, Benkelman, Nebraska, with full military honors.

A memorial, in Wayne’s memory, has been suggested to the Lutz Family for a future local designation.

On line condolences maybe left at Liewer Funeral Home.Com


BENKELMAN MEMORIAL CHPEL ENTRUSTED WITH ARRANGEMENTS