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Carl James Lutz
January 9, 1930-June 24, 2018
Carl James Lutz 1
Carl James Lutz 2

Carl James Lutz of Angels Camp died on Sunday morning, June 24, 2018, surrounded by his beloved family.

   Carl was born in Reading, Pennsylvania, on January 9, 1930, his parents were John Lutz and Catherine Shappel.  He resided in Reading throughout his school years, attending Reading High School which he fondly call “The Castle on the Hill”.

   Carl’s father served in the U.S. Army in WWI.  Two of Carl’s brothers enlisted and served during WWII. Carl also attempted to enlist but was too young. On March 12, 1947, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and found himself in the newly formed U.S. Air Force.  In early 1950, he married Eleanore Catherine Krall and in December their first of four children, Carl Jr. was born in December.  In 1951-52, he served in Korea during the Korean War.  Upon return from Korea, he had his first of several assignments to Air Force Bases in California. He also served overseas in Japan, as well as assignments in Washington, D.C. and Ohio.  Carl had three more children, all born in California Allen, John, and May.  Carl’s last USAF assignment was as the Non-commissioned Officer in Charge of Maintenance for Strategic Air Command at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. In 1967, with 20 years of active military service, Carl turned down his promotion to Chief Master Sergeant (E-9) and an assignment to Vietnam to stay with his family. They returned to California and Carl prepared for his next career as a teacher.

   In 1971, Carl graduated from Sacramento State College with a bachelor’s degree in Business and a teaching credential. The family moved to Manteca, California, and Carl began teaching at Manteca High School in Manteca, CA. Carl and Eleanore divorced in 1976. With his teacher career established, Carl assumed he would remain a bachelor, until he met Betty Arlene Shriver.  He was smitten and on March 18, 1978 they were married. Carl’s new family grew to include Betty’s four children from a previous marriage: Danny, Deanna, Gary and Susan.  Carl and Betty built a beautiful hill-top home near Angels Camp.  Carl was an excellent teacher who taught for 20 years at Manteca High and another 10 years at Copperopolis High. For more than 30 years, Carl and Betty enjoyed their mountain home. Their family came to visit them often and came to view the mountain as a wonderful home away from home. 

Carl died in his home with his family close by.  

   He is survived by Betty, their eight children, their children’s children, and great grandchildren. Carl will be remembered as an amazing husband, father, grand and great grandfather! He spent his last days reminding all who would listen to live their life for Jesus.  He is at peace now dancing with Jesus!

Carl will receive military honors at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon, California on Tuesday, July 31, at 11:00 a.m.


Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin

Saturday, July 28, 2018