Daniel Joseph Lutz, 69, of De Soto died July 15, 2025. Mr. Lutz grew up in New Douglas, Ill., and worked as a dairy farmer throughout his high school years at Wilmer and Norma Hemann’s farm. He graduated from Highland High School. After earning his degree at Ranken Technical College, he worked at Xerox as a field service engineer and national specialist for 38 years, retiring in 2016. After retirement, he traveled across the nation. He enjoyed spending time with family, especially his grandchildren. He was a committed community volunteer. He was recognized as the 2019-2020 De Soto Volunteer of the Year for his work beautifying the town. He was a scoutmaster and a Little League softball coach for many years, affectionately known as “Coach Dan,” and eventually led his team to a state championship. He served on the De Soto Public Library Board for 10 years. He was a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church and enjoyed volunteering at their rummage sales. He was a certified master gardener and had a community garden he enjoyed tending with his children, grandchildren and neighbors. He was an avid beekeeper. He shared his love of origami with hundreds of students, teaching them how to make German Bells. Born Sept. 26, 1955, in Litchfield, Ill., he was the son of the late Robert and Elsie (Kraigher) Lutz.
He is survived by four children: Regina "Gina" (Jody) Batie, Jared Lutz, Jillian Lutz and Bailey (Zachary) Rosen; six grandchildren: Sophia Maximilien-Lutz, Luna O'Brien, Kingsley Frierdich, Isla Maximilien-Lutz, Milo Rosen and Cooper Kimble; four siblings: Robert (Marjorie) Lutz, Marie Lutz, Patrick (Janice) Lutz and Susan (Henry) Aguilar; nieces and nephews: Sarah Lutz, Toni Aguilar, Kurt (Mary) Aguilar and Erin Lutz; as well as Alexandra Maximilien-Lutz; the Hemann family and many friends.
He was preceded in death by brother Charles Stanley Lutz; and niece: Micaela.
Visitation is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 19, at Dietrich-Mothershead Funeral Home, 220 N. Main, in De Soto. Memorials may be made to the De Soto Public Library, 712 S. Main St., De Soto, 63020 or Jefferson County Beekeepers Assoc., 6600 Davis Lane, Cedar Hill, 63016. Arrangements are under the direction of Dietrich-Mothershead Funeral Home