Frederick Alfred Lutz, 68, of Bellefonte, PA, died at Mount Nittany Medical Center on October 30, 2017.
Born in Youngstown, OH, on August 19, 1949, he was the son of Leslie L. Lutz, Sr. and Pauline Rider Lutz.
He was a 1967 graduate of Bellefonte Area High School and continued his education at York College before enlisting in the US Navy in 1968. He served on the USS Barney, USS DuPont and USS Newport News and served two tours of duty in Vietnam. He was honorably discharged in 1974. He then enlisted in the US Army National Guard, becoming a Master Instructor and teaching a variety of courses at various military installations throughout his career. Though he achieved the rank of Second Lieutenant, it was as a Sergeant during most of his years of service that he was most happy.
He was honorably discharged with a total of 22 years, 10 months and 15 days of service. Among his numerous medals and citations are National Defense Service Medal with one bronze service star, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Unit Commendation, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Army Service Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, TJ Stewart Medal and TR White Ribbon. He twice refused Purple Heart medals.
During his National Guard years, Fred continued his education at Penn State University, Georgia Military College, the PA Department of Justice Bureau of Corrections, Centre County Vocational Technical School and Centre Business School. He worked briefly for the US Postal Service and the State Correctional Institution at Rockview and then for several years at Witmer Construction. Upon military retirement he used his business degree to become a self-employed accountant.
Fred was an avid hunter and fisherman. He loved any outdoor activity, especially camping. In his earlier years, Fred played clarinet in the Bellefonte American Legion Marching Band during its string of national championships. He was a life member of the Logan Fire Company and for many years was an EMT for its ambulance service. He was a member of the Bellefonte American Legion, VFW Post 1600, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 4320.
Along with his parents, Fred was preceded in death by his brother, Leslie L. Lutz, Jr., on July 14, 2017. He is survived by two sisters, Romayne B. Naylor (J. Eric) and Paula O. Lutz, both of Bellefonte, two aunts, Lila Lutz of Bellefonte and Pamela Rider Hough (Henry) of Acworth, GA, two nieces, Shynyse Lutz and Trystyn Lutz and a nephew, Michael Lutz, all of the Bellefonte area. He is also survived by Becky Coldflesh, his decades-long best friend.
Visitation will be 6-7:30 p.m. on Monday, November 6, 2017, at Mark D. Heintzelman Funeral and Cremation Service P. C.; followed immediately by funeral and committal services with Pastor Terry Daugherty officiating. Interment with full military honors will be at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville, PA, at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, November 7, 2017.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Bellefonte Emergency Medical Service, 369 Phoenix Avenue, Bellefonte, PA, 16823.
An online guest book can be signed or condolences sent to the family at www.heintzelmanfuneralhome.com