William S. Lute

Age 87, passed away peacefully on October 20, 2012 at his home in Livonia; right next door to where he was born on April 3, 1925, son of Charles and Bertha (nee Christ) Lute. He was united in marriage to Mary Rose Joyal on November 1, 1951; and they spent 60 loving years together. William grew up on a farm in Livonia and later worked as a Heavy Machine Operator for Superior Products in Taylor. He is described by his family as a simple farmer, who was born 100 years too late. He was a passionate collector of anything that had to do with farm life; including a huge collection of antique John Deere Tractors from the 1930's, one of the largest collections in the state of horse drawn vehicles, as well as hand tools, traps, washing machines, and lanterns. Many of his treasures were found at the farm auctions he frequented on the weekends. William was a volunteer with Greenmead Historical Park in Livonia; where he operated some of the antique equipment he donated and advised the Livonia Historical Commission on the history of Livonia. He also volunteered with Henry Ford Village during Harvest Festival. He is survived by his beloved wife Mary Rose Lute; his daughters, Cathy (Edward) Klockner, Debbie (Robert) Shaw, and Peggi (Anthony) Ignagni; his siblings, Celesta Van Hellemont, Donald (Agnes) Lute, Bernice (Othal) Baggett, and Alice (Frank) Caldwell; his grandchildren, Sean, Ian, Halle, Dawn (Jason) Brandon, Nickholas, Vincenzo, Blaise, and Noelle; and his great grandchildren, Makenna, Brielle, and Greisha. He was preceded in death by his parents and 4 brothers and sisters. The visitation will be held Wednesday, October 24, 2012 from 2 p.m. until 8 p.m. with a vigil service at 6 p.m. at Casterline Funeral Home, 122 W. Dunlap, Northville. The funeral service will be held Thursday, October 25, 2012 at 11 a.m. with visitation beginning at 10 a.m. at The Newburgh Church at Greenmead, 20501 Newburgh Rd., Livonia, MI 48152. Mr. Lute will be laid to rest at Riverside Cemetery in Plymouth. The family would appreciate memorial contributions to American Cancer Society, PO Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718 or Livonia Historical Commission/Greenmead Historical Park. Arrangements entrusted to Casterline Funeral Home of Northville.