Patrick “Pat” Joseph Lutz was born on May 26, 1948, to Joseph and Maureen (Twiss) Lutz in Montevideo, Minnesota. He passed away unexpectedly of natural causes at home on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at the age of 77. His wife, Fran—the love of his life—was by his side, along with his faithful canine companion, Louie.

Pat grew up in the small town of Olivia, Minnesota, where he attended school and developed a lifelong love of sports. He was a highly decorated athlete in his high school days, lettering in football, basketball, baseball, and golf at Olivia High School. He was named Athlete of the Year in 1966.

Following high school, Pat attended Mankato State University. After three years, he left college to pursue a career with the FBI in Washington, D.C., specializing in fingerprint analysis. After two years with the FBI, he moved to Madison, Wisconsin, where he accepted a position with the Crime Information Bureau as a fingerprint analyst, bringing him closer to his family in Minnesota. He later transferred to the Wisconsin State Crime Laboratory, where he completed his career. His work included crime scene response, fingerprint analysis, and crime scene investigation training. He retired in 2003 as the Criminalistics Supervisor after 32 years of state service.

Pat’s love for sports never faded. He was an avid Minnesota Vikings fan, and if he wasn’t out playing golf at Edelweiss Country Club in New Glarus, Wisconsin, he could be found watching just about any sporting event on TV. He cherished his standing weekly golf tee times and his golf buddies. One of the highlights of his life was traveling to Scotland with Fran, where he fulfilled a lifelong dream of playing golf at St. Andrews’ Old Course. He also loved watching his grandchildren begin their own sports journeys and attended their games every chance he got.

In retirement, one of Pat’s favorite pastimes was Tuesday lunches at the Main Depot. He also loved traveling to Arizona, where he enjoyed playing golf.

Anyone who knew Pat knew he was vibrant, full of life, and often the life of the party. He was an expert storyteller—famously convincing his children and grandchildren that he invented the figure skating Triple Lutz and that St. Patrick’s Day was a national holiday created to celebrate him.

Pat was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who loved with his whole heart. When he couldn’t be with his grandchildren in person, he FaceTimed daily to hear about their school days and check in on their moms.

Pat is survived by the love of his life, his wife, Fran (Pellitteri); his three daughters, Kellie (Steve) Mack, Megan (Mike) Pitas, and Nikki (Dave) Bollig; his sister, Carol (Tyke) Myers; stepbrothers Doug and Eddie Wangensteen; two special nieces, Chris (Dave) Newcomer and Patty (Wade) Labatte; and his nine grandchildren—Emmett, Cole, Isabelle, Chase, Hannah, Addison, James, Grace, and Andrew. He is further survived by his great-nephews and niece, Brady, Kylie, Jack, and Luke, as well as many other special family members and friends who will carry his stories, laughter, and love forward.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Maureen; his stepfather, Bud; and his in-laws, Angelo and Bernice Pellitteri.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, February 14, 2026, at Ryan Funeral Service & Legacy Center, 6728 Mader Drive, Madison, WI. A visitation will take place 2 hours prior on Saturday, from 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. at the Ryan Legacy Center. A Celebration of Life will convene after the memorial service on Saturday, at the Main Depot, 627 W. Main Street, Madison.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Pat’s honor to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Second Harvest Food Bank. To view his obituary and leave a memory, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com

Ryan Funeral Service & Legacy Center
6728 Mader Drive
608-274-1000

Patrick "Pat" Lutz

May 26, 1948 - February 10, 2026

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