Jeffrey L. "Jeff" Lutes

Jeffrey L. “Jeff” Lutes of McNabb, IL passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on March 20, 2026 following a long courageous battle with Multiple Sclerosis.

Jeff was born on November 3, 1958 in Kewanee, IL to Robert I. and Marylin J. (Emmons) Lutes. He married Linda Johnson on July 31, 1981 at First Evangelical Lutheran church in Varna, IL.

Jeff graduated from Putnam County High School with the class of 1977 and attended IVCC.

Prior to Jeff’s illness he was employed in maintenance and as a bus driver for Putnam County and Wenona school districts. He was also a driver for Mid-American Growers and a guard with Burns Security. Throughout this time, he worked on grain and livestock farms with his father and father-in-law.

Jeff was a long-time member of the Emmaus Evangelical Lutheran Church in McNabb and Fish N Fun, McNabb. He volunteered as a coach with youth baseball for Bi-County Little League throughout his son’s young life. Jeff spent many years researching his family’s genealogy and collecting arrow heads. He enjoyed muscle cars, antique tractors, and classic Rock and Roll. Being in nature is one of the places Jeff felt most at peace. He loved fishing, hunting small game, eagle watching, and searching for morels. He enjoyed playing volleyball, basketball, softball, and bike riding. Sports were a huge part of his life as he enjoyed cheering for his favorite teams, the St. Louis Cardinals, Green Bay Packers, Illinois Fighting Illini, and Milwaukee Bucks. His greatest joy was his family, and he would be found on the sidelines of his son and grandchildren’s games and events.

He is survived by his wife, Linda Lutes of McNabb; son, Jordan (Meghan) Lutes, grandchildren, Carson and Liv of Peru, IL; brother, Richard (Nita) Lutes of McNabb; sister, Lisa (Jeannie Mekley) Jackson of El Paso; brother-in-law Gene (Nancy) Johnson of Henry and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, in laws Ron and Louise Johnson, brothers Robert Lutes and Gerry Lutes, and niece Hillary Lutes.

Cremation rights have been accorded. A visitation will be held Thursday, March 26, 2026 from 9am-11am at Henry United Methodist Church in Henry, IL. A memorial service will follow. Kelly Shanklin Larimer, Certified Lay Speaker, will officiate. Inurnment will follow at Henry City Cemetery. Immediately following, a luncheon will be served at the church. Friends and family are invited to join.

Dysart – Cofoid Funeral Chapel will be assisting the family with the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the family for a memorial in Jeff’s honor.

The family would like to thank everyone who has supported Jeff and them throughout his battle.

Online condolences may be made to his family at www.dcfunerals.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jeffrey L. "Jeff" Lutes, please visit our floral store.