Wilson B. Lutz

Wilson B. Lutz, 97, born on May 12, 1927, in Mogadore, Ohio, to Boyd Eugene and Ruby Florella (Feller) Lutz, passed away on September 3, 2024, at Timbercrest Healthcare Center in North Manchester, Indiana. A man of great intellect and passion, Wilson's life journey was one filled with remarkable achievements and treasured memories.

From his early days at Mogadore High School to pursuing a PhD in Chemistry at Ohio State University, Wilson's thirst for knowledge was unquenchable. After high school Wilson went on to study Chemistry at Manchester College, graduating in 1950. His college career was interrupted when he was drafted into the Civilian Public Service Program.

Wilson’s postdoctoral work was done at Cornell Medical School in New York City. He served as Senior Scientist for the Warner Lambert Research Institute and earned twelve patents while he was there. Wilson has several publications from his research. In 1962, Wilson was recruited to return to North Manchester to teach Chemistry at Manchester College. His sabbatical years took him to the National Institutes of Health, for research from 1970-1971 and to Austin, Texas to do research at the University of Texas chemistry department in 1980-1981. Wilson retired in 1992 after thirty years of service to Manchester College.

Wilson married Mary Adine Eley on June 11, 1950 at the Poplar Grove Church of the Brethren in Ohio. During their time together, Wilson and Mary were blessed with two children, Paul and Marilyn. For many years, Wilson was an active member of the North Manchester Church of the Brethren. Wilson's legacy extends far beyond academia, however. A devoted nature enthusiast and music aficionado, he found joy in the wonders of the world around him. Whether exploring geology on field trips or composing melodies with Mary, his spirit of curiosity and creativity knew no bounds. Wilson also enjoyed birdwatching and traveling. He was an active member of the North Manchester Tree Commission and participated in many local Shepherd Center activities. 

The loving memory of Wilson Lutz will be forever cherished by his wife of seventy-four years, Mary Lutz, North Manchester; children, Paul (Hollie) Lutz,Bloomington, Indiana and Marilyn (Joe Zarki) Lutz, Joshua Tree, California; brother, Ron (Ila) Lutz, Harleysville, Pennsylvania; three grandchildren, Tim Zarki, Jeffrey (Hailee) Lutz, and Emily Lutz; and one great-grandchild, Noah Lutz. Wilson was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Marilyn Wenum.

A celebration of Wilson’s life will be held Saturday, October 5, 2024 at 1:30 p.m. at the Timbercrest Chapel, 2201 East Street, North Manchester, Indiana, with Pastor Karen Eberly and Pastor Amy Gall Ritchie officiating. The family of Wilson B. Lutz will receive friends following the service.

For those who wish to honor the memory of Dr. Wilson B. Lutz, memorial contributions can be made to the Wilson B. Lutz and Mary Eley Lutz Scholarship Fund at Manchester University, 604 College Avenue, North Manchester, Indiana 46962, Acres Land Trust or Tippecanoe Audubon Society. 

The family of Wilson B. Lutz has entrusted McKee Mortuary with care and final arrangements.