Allen Arthur Lutsko's Obituary
Allen Arthur Lutsko was born on August 18, 1945, in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, where he was raised and attended school. He was a man of deep faith, steadfast loyalty, and generous spirit - a devoted Catholic who found purpose and joy in serving others.
On June 25, 1966, Allen married Betty in Manville, New Jersey, and the two built a life together that would span 33 years. They raised their family and made their home in South Fork, Pennsylvania for 17 years before relocating to Bixby, Oklahoma in 1985, where Allen found work at the American Foundry. He would go on to be employed there for many years, becoming a familiar and well-regarded presence in the Bixby community.
A proud and dedicated father, Allen poured himself into his daughters' softball teams - not only as their biggest fan in the stands, but as a coach who invested his time and heart into every player. His commitment to community ran just as deep. He served as a volunteer firefighter and was a longtime, devoted parishioner of St. Clement's Catholic Church, where he freely gave his time and energy to parish life and volunteering.
It was also at the American Foundry where Allen's life took another wonderful turn. He met Connie there, and in the easy, unhurried way of a man who knew a good thing, he invited her to a fish fry. The two hit it off immediately. On September 18, 2001, Allen and Connie were married in Tulsa, celebrating with family and friends at a reception at their home in Bixby - a place that became the warm center of their life together.
When he wasn't on the ball field or at the church, Allen could often be found pursuing the outdoors. He had a deep love for trout fishing, with many memorable trips to Roaring River, and he equally enjoyed the quiet patience of deer hunting. Football was another great passion - Allen cheered loudly and loyally for the Bixby Spartans and the Oklahoma Sooners, and few things brought him more pleasure than watching his teams take the field.
Allen is survived by his beloved wife, Connie; his children, Arlene Vreeland, Keith Allen Lutsko, Donna Walton, Ann Moore, Betty Jo Camp, Kimberly Ruhman, Kevin Wheeler, Jeremiah Wheeler, and Madison Wheeler; 21 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; his sister, Marilyn Noel; and his brother, Randy Lutsko. He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Betty; his daughter, Teresa; his granddaughter, Teresa; and 18 siblings.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 PM Wednesday at Rivercrest Chapel, with a Rosary beginning at 6:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM Friday at St. Clement's Catholic Church, followed by interment at Bixby Cemetery, where Allen will rest beside his first wife, Betty.
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