Leon Charles Lutgen, age 88, passed away Wednesday, February 12, 2025 at the Presbyterian Manor in Salina, KS. He was born on the family farm North of Downs, KS on September 27, 1936 to Carl & Della (Ottley) Lutgen.
Leon graduated from Downs High School in 1954 and served in the National Guard for 8 years following high school. He attended Wichita Drafting College for a year before attending and graduating from Fort Hays State University with a degree in Industrial Education.
Leon met Mary Lou Lumpkin at a dance in 1956, the two were married on June 3, 1961 in Smith Center, KS. To this union the couple were blessed with 3 boys, Cletus Brian (1962), Neil Wayne (1964) and Randall Leon (1965).
The Lutgen family lived in Bogue, KS for 7 years while Leon taught Industrial Arts (Shop Class) at Bogue High School. The family then moved to Kirwin, KS in 1970 where he then taught at Eastern Heights High School in Agra, KS until he retired in 1999. In 2012, Leon & Mary Lou moved to Salina, KS to be closer to their boys, Neil and Randy.
Leon wasn’t just a loving husband, father and beloved teacher, he was also skilled in upholstery, woodworking and was a Master Gardener. Something he proudly passed on to his boys.
Leon is survived by his loving wife Mary Lou, of the home. Sons, Neil (Regina) Lutgen, Galva, KS and Randy (Jana) Lutgen, McPherson, KS. Siblings, Lois Churchill (CT), Loretta (Ray) Kovar (KS) and Mary Jane (Jim) Spencer (IA). Grandchildren, Cory (Courtney) Lutgen (KS), Brandon (Taylor) Lutgen (KS), Jacob Lutgen (KS) and Jessica Lutgen (KS) along with 5 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, Charlene Foster & her husband Charles, Mardella Dearing & her husband Don and his son Cletus Lutgen.
Services are to be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Salina, KS on Saturday, February 22, 2025. A Rosery will be held in Leon’s honor at 9:30 a.m. with the funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. A meal will be provided at St. Mary’s following the service. Following the meal the burial will be held at the Kirwin Cemetery, Kirwin, KS.
Memorial donations may be given to either St, Mary’s Catholic Church in Salina or to Sts. Philip & James Catholic Church in Phillipsburg, KS