LAUTZ, George E.

George E. Lautz, 74, of Scottsdale, AZ died June 11th, 2003. He was born Dec. 11, 1928 in New York City and moved to Phoenix in 1956. While working at Camelback Inn, he met and married Joannie Donnelly. After several years in CA, they returned to the Phoenix area in 1962 to manage the Lulu Belle restaurant in Scottsdale. In 1967, at the urging of Herb Drinkwater, they opened the popular country western restaurant, the Handlebar-J. Selling the Handlebar-J in 1976, George eventually went on staff at Trinity Church, McCormick Ranch, serving until 1988. Following a few years as a drug and alcohol counselor, George and Joannie moved to Cornville, AZ where George served as administrator and chaplain at the Community of Living Water Retreat Center from 1991-1997. Upon retirement, they returned to Scottsdale and became active members at Desert Streams Chapel where George served as elder until his death. Through all the changes, one constant in George's life was his music. From playing in the band at the Handlebar-J to writing songs of praise to God to leading worship at Trinity, George's heart was most effectively communicated through song. George is survived by his wife, Joannie, his son David and wife Susan of Sheboygan, WI and their children Matt and Amy, and his daughter Wendy and husband Rick Calcutt of Columbia, SC and their children David, Lauren and Brielyn. The Visitation and Memorial Service will both be held at Trinity Church, Hayden Rd. at McCormick Pkwy, on Wed. June 18, 2003: the Visitation from 11:00-2:00pm and the Memorial Service from 6:00-7:00pm. Following the Memorial Service will be a Worship Service featuring George's worship music. Memorial donations to either Desert Streams Chapel, 9080 E. Cactus Rd., Scottsdale, AZ, 85250, or Harbor Community Church, 2116 N. 7th St., Sheboygan, WI, 53081 pastored by George's son, David. Published in The Arizona Republic on 6/15/2003.