Timothy R. Lutz

Timothy Roman Lutz, beloved teacher, "piano man," and advocate for the arts in the Menomonie and Eau Claire communities, passed peacefully September 5, 2026 following a long, courageous battle with early-onset Primary Progressive Aphasia Frontal Temporal dementia.

Tim was born an identical twin in Stevens Point, WI, on November 18, 1962. He graduated from Stevens Point Area Senior High School, and UW-Stevens Point. He earned his master’s degree in music education from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

A resident of Menomonie for over 40 years, Tim dedicated his life to music, theater, education, and community service. Tim began his teaching career in rural communities including Greenwood, Downsville, and Knapp. He joined the Menomonie Public School District, and shared his love of music with thousands of students from Kindergartners to 5th grade over the course of 35 years. He concluded his career as a cherished music teacher at Oaklawn Elementary school. Tim was nominated for the Herb Kohl Teaching Award from Herb Kohl Philanthropies for excellence in education.

Beyond the classroom, Tim lent his musical talents and leadership to numerous local organizations. He was involved with An Old Sweet Song alongside Juliana Schmidt, The Menomonie Singers, Our Savior's Lutheran Church & Choir, and the Menomonie Theater Guild, where he served as a music director, conductor, actor, and singer. For over 20 years, he played piano in the Sing-a-Long Ballroom and Americana Bar during the Viennese Ball at UW-Eau Claire, where he ultimately gifted his priceless and most cherished instrument a mahogany Yamaha piano.

Tim was also an active community leader, serving on the board for Stepping Stones. An avid gardener, Tim’s gardens were featured as part of a fundraising garden tour and food pantry for Stepping Stones. He also ran fundraisers for Arts Integration Menomonie, an organization connecting UW-Stout arts students with local schools and teachers.

Tim cherished every moment spent with his family and friends, especially during holidays, celebrations, and theatrical productions. Tim and Lee celebrated something special every day, bringing joy to those around them even in his final years.

He is survived by his spouse, Lee Fuerst; his siblings, sister Theresa Lutz, twin Thomas Lutz, and brother Randy (Laurie) Lutz. He is also survived by nieces and nephews, Kim (Dan) Hintz, Kelly (Ryan) Roettger, Carl Peterson, Krystal (Donnie) Cousineau, Kaci Richardson, and Adam (Jessica) Helminiak; great-nieces, Ellie Roettger, Lillie Roettger, Sailor Helminiak, and Blair Helminiak.

He was preceded in death by brother, Steven Lutz, and his parents, Marge and Gordon Lutz.

During his final years, Tim received exceptional long-term care from his spouse, Lee Fuerst, alongside the teams at Visiting Angels, Dimensions Living EC (Azura Memory Care Buffington Home), Sequoia Integrative Medical Services, and Interim Palliative/Hospice care, and Mayo Hospital, Eau Claire.

Tim and his family express their deep gratitude for the compassion, love, and dedicated care these groups provided. Known for his determination to live life to the fullest, The family extends their heartfelt thanks to everyone who brought Tim joy, hope, and love throughout his life.

A Celebration of Life filled with music for Tim will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Menomonie, WI. The celebration open house will include at 12:00 p.m. a prayer led by Pastor Sarah Miller, and a congregation sing along of “This Little Light of Mine”. At 12:50, Cathy Reitz’s Swing band will sing, Stand In the Light Memory Choir’s theme song and I am So Glad We Had this Time Together. The carpets will be rolled up and the final curtains will be drawn at 1PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Tim’s memory to the following organizations: Stand in The Light Memory Choir, The Menomonie Singers, organizations conducting Early Onset Dementia/Alzheimer's research, the music fund at Our Savior's Lutheran Church (Menomonie), the Menomonie Theater Guild, the Mabel Tainter Theater, or Stepping Stones Food Pantry.

To share a memory, please visit obituaries at www.olsonfuneral.com