Byrdine Alice Lutzke

Byrdine A. Lutzke, age 86, of Merrill, passed away on Friday, July 27, 2018, at Rennes Health & Rehab, Weston, with her family by her side. Byrdine was born February 19, 1932, in Merrill, daughter of the late Joseph and Eva (Waldburger) Harkner, Sr. She married Donald E. ‘Bud’ Lutzke on July 26, 1952, in Merrill. He preceded her in death on June 17, 2006. Byrdine was a proud homemaker. She also served as the treasurer for the Town of Birch for many years. Byrdine enjoyed cooking and baking, playing cards, an occasional casino trip, ceramics and antique refinishing, wintering in Arizona, traveling to Australia and New Zealand, and spending time with her grandchildren. Byrdine is survived by two daughters, Diane Martens, Merrill, and Patti Lutzke (with, Bill Kitchell), Rothschild; two sons, Donald L. (Mary) Lutzke, Merrill, and Thomas (Kathy) Lutzke, Irma; her grandchildren, Donald, Gera, Michael, Michelle, Amy, Katie, Erin, Benjamin, Zach, Kimberly, Molly, and Casey; and her great grandchildren, Teala, Claire, Madelyn, Morgan, James, Jenna, Logan, Ryan, Brayden, Teagan, Kylie, Melody, Ariana, Violet, Kide, Ella, Autumn, Evelyn, Anastasia, Raegen, and one on the way. Besides her parents and husband, Byrdine is preceded in death by a son law, Bill Martens; and siblings Helen, Lena, Goldie, Olive, Joe, Floyd, Fred, LaVern, and baby brother Joe. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, July 31, 2018, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Merrill. Father Chris Kemp will be the celebrant. Burial will follow in Chat Cemetery, town of Birch. Visitation will be from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM Monday at the Taylor-Stine Funeral Home, Merrill, and after 9:30 AM Tuesday at the church. Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com.