Paula Jean Lutz, 60, of Haubstadt, passed away August 13, 2021.
Paula was born December 21, 1960, to Harold B. and Pauline M. (Bockhold) Schaefer.
She was united in marriage with Mark A. Lutz on June 25, 1983, in St. Meinrad Catholic Church.
Paula graduated from Heritage Hills High School in 1979. She went on to the University of Evansville to graduate with a Bachelors and Masters degree in Education, with an emphasis in Special Education.
Paula was recognized as one of the most experienced teachers in the field of Autism by the state of Indiana. She also had a paper published on the subject of Autism.
Paula taught a college course for two years at Oakland City University in conjunction with teaching 30 years in a Life Skills Classroom at Princeton High School.
Each student required a personalized set of goals to address their unique academic, social, emotional, physical and mental needs. Paula provided a safe and secure environment for these children ranging from ages 13-21 in which to grow and learn.
Paula’s specific educational skill set, in conjunction with her kindness and gift for giving unconditionally, developed the perfect learning atmosphere for her students. She was dedicated to her classroom daily and devoted to her students and staff.
Paula’s love and compassion did not begin nor end in her classroom. She gave her life and love to her husband Mark with love and support for his music; their children Luke, Lan, Lena and Logan, and their grandchildren, Bella, Rylan and Lochlan.
Paula shared her passions of sewing, cooking and teaching with her grandchildren. She gave her heart and soul for the moments she could be with them. Along with her passion for her grandchildren, Paula was an exceptional caregiver with an attention to details.
Surviving are her husband, Mark Lutz; three sons, Luke (Dawn) Lutz of Greenwood, Lan Lutz of Evansville and Logan Lutz of Haubstadt; one daughter, Lena (Zach) Yant of Sheridan; three grandchildren, Bella Lutz of Greenwood, Rylan and Lochlan Yant of Sheridan; Paula’s mother, Pauline M. Schaefer of St. Meinrad; one brother, Mark (Phyllis) Schaefer of Dale; two sisters, Jackie (Steve) Mehling of Ferdinand, and Trina (Jimmy) Strobel of Lamar; her mother-in-law, Verla Lutz of Haubstadt; sister-in-law, Rhonda (Kenny) Reinbrecht; brothers-in-law, Joe (Kris) Lutz of Haubstadt, Gary (Consuelo) Lutz of Virginia, and Sam Lutz of Haubstadt. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her father, Harold B. Schaefer; a brother, Michael R. Schaefer; and her father-in-law, Willard Lutz.
Funeral services for Paula Jean Lutz will be held at 11 a.m. CDT Saturday, August 28, in Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Haubstadt. A luncheon gathering will be held in the Saints Peter and Paul Catholic School cafeteria located across the street from church (contingent on COVID restrictions).
There will be no visitation prior to service. In lieu of flowers, Paula requested, prior to death, memorial contributions be made to her three grandchildren’s education fund which can be found at any Fifth Third Bank under “Memorial Fund of Paula”.
