DANIEL B. LUTZ, 84, of Lincoln passed away July 21, 2014.

Dan Lutz was known professionally as an Ag Communications Editor at the University of Nebraska and passionate railroad fan. He was also a devoted husband, proud father and loving grandfather.

Dan was proud of his upbringing in rural Valley County, which helped form his professional career.  He graduated from the University of Nebraska in 1950 and was News Editor of the Custer County Chief until 1958, with a two-year interruption to serve in the U.S. Army in Tokyo- where he worked for the Stars and Stripes newspaper.  In Custer County he met and married Vera Mae Bellinger in 1954.

He was part of the UNL faculty from 1958 until retiring in 1990. During that tenure, he earned his Masters Degree in Science from Kansas State University in 1964. During his university tenure he influenced many others with his corny humor, stoic demeanor but kind and supportive nature.  As a mentor, he was adored by many students.  Dan’s rigorous editing served many students throughout their lives. He demonstrated his service nature both professionally and in his personal life.

Dan was a Director and longtime member of the American Association of American College Editors (AAACE);  Director of the Nebraska Cooperative Extension Service 1970-71; State President of SPJ/SDX, a journalism professional group; as well as numerous civic and professional organizations.  He received the Agricultural Achievement Award from the Knights of Ark-Sar-Ben.

Post-retirement, Dan channeled his interests in new directions.  He was founding president of ProRail Nebraska; active in the Preservation Association of Lincoln; the United Nations UNAUSA; and a charter member of Northeast Kiwanis. He received many post-retirement honors, such as membership in the Nebraska AgRelations Council; the Nebraska Hall of Achievement; the FFA and 4H; he was also a member of Gamma Sigma Delta (ag honors society); VFW and American Legion.

Dan was most passionate about rail travel, taking numerous foreign excursions and advocating for rail passenger funding.  He continued to write and edit newsletters and organizational publications.  He is remembered for his generous nature and supported a variety of causes.

Dan was preceded in death by his mother, Dorothy and father Lyle.

He is survived by his wife Vera Mae; a son, Larry of Arlington TX; daughters, sons-in-law Barbara and Randy Gordon, Falls Church VA; Bonnie and Leif Neve, Bethesda MD; six grandchildren.

Services: 10:30 a.m. Friday, St. Marks United Methodist Church, 8550 Pioneers Blvd., Lincoln. Visitation: 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Wyuka Funeral Home, Lincoln, and one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment: Wyuka Cemetery after lunch, service and reception. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to ProRail Nebraska, 1934 A St., Lincoln 68502; the University of Nebraska Foundation , 1010 Lincoln Mall, Suite 300, Lincoln NE 68508 for the Sandy and Larry Lutz Reporting Scholarship Fund; or St. Marks.