our staff

John C. Lutz II (Supervisor, Owner, and Fifth Generation) graduated from Exeter High School in 2000 where he achieved all county honors in both tennis and soccer, and played on the team that won the first Berks County Soccer Championship in the school’s history. John attended Mount Saint Mary’s University on a soccer scholarship, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree, with a major in Rhetoric and Communications and a minor in Theology. After college John pursued a career in Pharmaceutical Sales with AstraZeneca. After seven years with AstraZeneca it was finally time for John to fulfill his dream of becoming the fifth generation at the Lutz Funeral Home. John and his father Putter (fourth generation) continue to carry on their family’s legacy.

John has worked for his family’s funeral home since he was 15 years old. He has had interest in joining his father and the family business since high school, however his parents encouraged him to get an education and try another profession to ensure that this is what he wanted to do. John will forever be grateful for his parents’ encouragement and support to follow his dream in continuing the family tradition of the Lutz Funeral Home.

John and his wife, Amy, have two sons: J. Chandler III, and Hudson Bauer, and reside in Reiffton. He enjoys golfing, playing tennis, exercising, working around the house and spending time with his family. He is a lifelong member of St. Catharine of Sienna Church.

John C. “Putter” Lutz (fourth generation) was raised in Exeter Township and now resides in Oley Township. His parents J. Elmer “Buddy” Jr and Janet P. had four children, Putter being the youngest. Two brothers John E. “Wedge” III, John F. “Chip” II and one sister Courtney.

Putter is a 1978 graduate of Exeter High School and a 1981 graduate of Northampton Community College of Mortuary Science. Putter began working at the funeral home in 1974 and became the owner and supervisor in 1983.

Putter and his wife Kim (Stankiewicz) have three children: John C. II, Peter, Rachel and six grandchildren Chandler, Hudson, Grace, Charlie, Benny and August. Putter enjoys golfing, hunting and spending time with his family.

Emily Clare Wartella was raised in Lake Ariel, PA with her older brother Zack by their mom Julie. She is a 2016 graduate of Western Wayne High School, and a 2019 graduate of Northampton Community College, where she graduated top of her class and was awarded the Outstanding Funeral Service Education Student of the Year Scholarship. She enjoys drawing and painting, reading, hiking, and spending time with her family and her cats Samara and Smudge.

Michael Stanchak was born and raised in Lake Hopatcong, NJ. After Graduating from Hopatcong High School in 1996, he attended Bloomfield College, completing his studies in Biology in 2000. After college, he went on to work in the banking industry before deciding to go back to school in January 2019. Following his passion of caring for people, Michael attended Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science where he received his degree in Applied Specialized Technology: Funeral Service in 2021. He obtained his Funeral Director license in 2022.

He and his wife, Jennifer, reside in Gilbertsville are the proud parents of a son, Jacob and daughter, Abigail, along with their dachshund, Boomer. In his spare time he enjoys attending his children's sports and activities, camping and fishing. He is a member of New Hanover United Methodist Church.

Kim was raised in Spring Township, and graduated from Wilson High School 2007 and Empire Beauty School in 2009. She has a daughter Amaya and loves spending time with her family, two dogs, and cat. She also enjoys coaching competitive cheer and watching Amaya compete.