Lynn Murray (Lucke) Lutkin, 87, Died; Staples High School Class of ‘52
Lynn Murray (Lucke) Lutkin passed away peacefully on October, 23, 2022. She was born in Flushing, Long Island, NY on November 7, 1934, to Frank Leo Lucke and Marion (Krelwitz) Lucke.
Lynn and her older sister Ann grew up in Wilton CT. After graduating from Staples High School in 1952, Lynn attended and graduated from Green Mountain Junior College in Poultney, VT. She later attended the University of Bridgeport and Colorado State University. Lynn married Russell Dieffenbach in 1957, and they had three sons, Russell, Michael and Paul. She later married Maurice Lutkin, combining her three children and his four children onto one family.
Lynn's earlier years were spent in New Jersey and Connecticut, with later moves to Massachusetts, New York, Montana and finally to Colorado in 1973. She also had a one-year sabbatical in New Mexico. Lynn's passion beyond her family was art in all forms. After finishing school at Green Mountain Junior College, she worked at Norcross Greeting Cards and later at Time-Life. Lynn then began her teaching career in art in the Poudre School District upon her move to Fort Collins, CO in 1973. She taught art at various levels and different schools within the district. She was promoted to Art Administrator for the Poudre School District and maintained that position until retiring. During her career, she was named Art Teacher of the Year in 1983 and served as National Chairperson for the Youth Art Month through NAEA.
After retirement, she continued her passion for teaching by leading art classes at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, CO and at the senior center in Fort Collins. During her retirement, Lynn loved to travel to different countries, with trips to Africa, the Philippines and many European countries. In 2003 she connected with Don Hallowell, a friend of many years who was her partner until his passing in 2016. Lynn was also active in her retirement by attending classes at the senior center in Fort Collins, as a member of a hiking group, book club and bridge club.
Lynn loved being active and social and always had an event to look forward to.
Lynn is survived by her three sons, Russ (Judy) Lutkin, with their children Kyle Lutkin, Mallory Lutkin and Audrey (John) McAndrews and son Mason; Michael (Karrie) Lutkin, children Andrew Lutkin and Jordan (Ryan) Cody with children Cooper, Wyatt and Liam; and Paul (Tammy) Lutkin, with their children Katalyn Lutkin and Leandra Lutkin. She is also survived by her sister Ann, and step-children Chris, Debbie, Chinery and Beth. We love you Mom and rest in peace. A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, November 1 at 11 AM at Allnutt Funeral Home on 650 W Drake Road in Fort Collins.
Published by Greeley Tribune on Oct. 26, 2022.