William A. 'Bill' Lutzke

William A. “Bill” Lutzke, born Oct. 30, 1912, in Westmond, Idaho, died peacefully in Sandpoint on Oct. 30, 2009. Born to first generation American, Joseph and Mary (Abromeit) Lutzke. Bill was a steadfast father, grandfather, and friend.

Bill was preceded in death by his wife Sophie, his loving companion for 40 years, and his two older sisters and two younger half-brothers. He is survived by his four children, Toni Pursley (Ted) of Puyallup, Wash,; Denice Strohmaier (Ted) of Lewiston; Patti Beaver (Rick) of Puyallup; and Jay Lutzke (Terria) of Sandpoint; nine grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

Bill was proud of having lived his entire life in and around Sandpoint and of his 70-year affiliations with the Elks and Eagles fraternal lodges. He was a lifetime member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. He will be remembered as a local businessman and outdoorsman. He built the original Pastime Café and Sport Shop. Later he built and operated The Eagle Café and owned a Western Auto franchise. He also spent several of his younger years as a rancher at Samuels.

In retirement Bill especially enjoyed his poker pals and playing in a pool league. Reading two newspapers a day and following the local and national news was his daily pastime. Another of Bill’s pleasures was working in his garden and tending his flowers. He also was an avid hunter and fisherman in his earlier years.

Bill’s family and friends will dearly miss him, especially those who benefited from his blend of sage advice and sharp wit.

The Vigil Service with Rosary will be at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 3, in Coffelt’s Funeral Chapel in Sandpoint.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2009, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Interment will be in Pinecrest Memorial Park with Father Dennis C. Day conducting.

The family would particularly like to thank Dr. Scott Bergstahler and his staff for all the loving care of our Dad over the past several years.

Memorials in Bill’s name may be made to a charity of donor’s choice. Suggestions from the family include donations to the Idaho Elks Rehabilitation Hospital, The Bonner Community Food Bank, or the Sandpoint Museum.

Family and friends are invited to sign Bill’s online guest book at www.coffeltfuneral.com .

Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Coffelt Funeral Service.