Thomas Robert Lutz, age 69 of Hastings, died on Wednesday, November 15, 2023, from multiple complications stemming from cancer.
He was born in Akron, Ohio, and at an early age moved with his family to Boulder, Colorado, where he grew up. He graduated from Colorado College in psychology, and moved to Minneapolis. He completed his masters degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota, and went on to work with many different agencies over the course of his career. His expertise was in working with families, couples, and youth – particularly young men. Tom spent a large part of his career working in corrections with young male offenders. His finished his career by starting a private practice clinic in Hastings, Minnesota – Tom Lutz and Associates. He provided guidance and advice to many, many people. Tom was able to make an instant connections, particularly with children and adolescents. He spent a decade serving as ScoutMaster to Cub and Boy Scout Troops, and helped guide many adolescent boys in achieving the rank of Eagle Scout, including his two sons.
Tom was an avid camper, and loved going to the Boundary Waters, which he did at least once every summer for forty years. He hiked in all seventy-two state parks over the course of one summer, which he was very proud of. Tom loved bird watching, poetry, smoking cigars, and watching movies. He also loved to travel. Tom has been as far south as Machu Pichu, as far north as Hudson Bay, and many points in between. He was often accompanied by his wife Karen and his children. He celebrated every birthday with a circle of men, reading poetry and smoking cigars.
He is survived by his wife of forty-two years, Karen Ward, John and his partner Caroline, and his son William. In addition to an extraordinarily large circle of friends stretching back to childhood.
A celebration of Tom’s life will be held in the Spring.
Memorials to Friends of the Boundary Waters in memory of Tom.
Arrangements are being completed by Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel of Hastings.
