Francis John Lutz, of Castroville, Texas, passed away at his home surrounded by family on September 28, 2025 at the age of 86. He was born October 12, 1938 in Hondo, Texas, to Wallace A. Lutz and Asela M. Haby Lutz.

In 1957, Francis graduated from St. Louis High School where he excelled in sports, including football, baseball, and track. An especially proud HS baseball accomplishment during his junior year was his pitching record of 11 - 0. During this time, Francis raised pigs for the Medina County and San Antonio Stock Shows. It was during his junior year that Francis and Helen, his classmate, sparked up a romance. In his spare time, he worked at one of the local gas stations. After his graduation, Francis served in the United States Army for 6 months and the Army Reserves for 5 ½ years. Francis worked for Rath Packing Company for 28 years. On November 2, 1958, Francis married Helen Ruth Mann at St. Louis Catholic Church in Castroville. As per the tradition at that time, they married on a Sunday morning at the 9:30 am mass. They made their home in Castroville, welcomed 3 children, and enjoyed 66 years of marriage.

In 1964, in order to provide additional financial support for his growing family, Francis began working for Catholic Life Insurance. During this career, which spanned over 55 years, he helped many families and made life-long friends. For 16 years, he transported special needs children for Medina Valley I.S.D, where he formed close bonds with the children and their families. In 1985, Francis and Helen purchased existing mini-storage buildings in Castroville, where they worked side by side to manage and expand the business.

Francis was proud of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and found great joy in attending their events. He and Helen traveled, sometimes extensively, to follow the children's and grandchildren's activities, graduations, and often just visits. Francis treasured his Alsatian heritage. He and Helen hosted Alsatian couples in their home and had the pleasure of traveling to France multiple times, including attending a friend's wedding in Alsace.

Francis was active in St. Louis Parish. He was a member of the choir for many years, served on the Finance Board and volunteered as a St. Louis Day chairman. Francis was also a member of the St. Louis Society for 63 years, St. Louis Adult Choir, Castroville Chamber of Commerce, and Quihi Gun Club. He was active in the Castroville community, serving as a director of the Chamber of Commerce and a member of the Red Vest Committee.

Francis' favorite activities included deer, dove, and turkey hunting as well as playing cards - especially pitch. He enjoyed many nights at the hunting camp where embellished stories, beverages, and shenanigans were shared. Some of his most enjoyable evenings were spent attending local social events that provided the opportunity to visit with friends and strangers alike.

Family includes his wife, Helen Lutz; children, Nathan Lutz (Karen) of San Antonio, Nadine Kempf (Frankie) of Castroville, Marcy Groff (Michael) of Castroville; grandchildren, Joel Lutz (Christy), Matthew Lutz (Christin), Landon Lutz, Joshua Kempf, the late William Kempf (Chelsea), Kelsey Mumme (Cord), Lindsey Groff, and Justin Groff (Courtney); great-grandchildren, Abby Lutz, Barrett Lutz, Aubrey Lutz, Hadley Lutz, Nicolas Kempf, Gabriel Kempf, Teresa Kempf, Joseph Kempf, Grace Kempf, Belle Kempf, Braden Kempf, Lillian Kempf, Blaise Kempf, Kendall Mumme, Carson Mumme, Cade Mumme, and Emersyn Groff; in-laws, Frank and Brenda Mann.

Francis was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, James Lutz (Vivian) and Leroy Lutz (Patricia); and sisters, Evelyn Wilson (J.T.) and Kathleen Haby (Kenneth).

Visitation will be Thursday, October 2, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home, with the Holy Rosary recited at 5:30 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, October 3, 2025 at St. Louis Catholic Church. Interment will follow at St. Louis Catholic Cemetery in Castroville, Texas.

Memorials may be made in Francis' memory to the Blessed Moye School (make checks payable to Castroville Catholic Middle and High School), St. Louis Catholic School, or to the charity of your choice.

Arrangements by Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home. www.tondre-guinn.com