A New Chapter for Lutz Cemetery
Long before they became its stewards, members of American Legion Post 108 were already caring for Lutz Cemetery.
For years, Legionnaires volunteered their time to clean gravesites, repair damaged structures, and help preserve this treasured community landmark. One of their most notable projects was replacing the roof on the cemetery's interment building—not because anyone asked them to, but because they recognized a need and believed the cemetery deserved their care and attention.
When the time came for the Lutz Community Cemetery Association to transfer ownership and management of the cemetery, one organization stood above all others. The Association knew firsthand the commitment, dedication, and respect that American Legion Post 108 had demonstrated through years of volunteer service.
Under the leadership of Commander Don Hinst, Post 108 embraced the opportunity to continue the cemetery's legacy. A group of Legion leaders came together to form American Legion Post 108 Holding, Inc., a Florida nonprofit corporation, and accepted ownership of Lutz Cemetery. Today, Lutz Cemetery operates as a division of American Legion Post 108 Holding, Inc. (ALPH).
The Board of Directors includes Commander Don Hinst, Post Treasurer Ruben Calles, Post Judge Advocate Mike Nelson, and former Post Adjutant Bill Jaxheimer, with additional members of American Legion Post 108 serving as advisors and volunteers.
When ownership officially changed hands, the new Board inherited decades of records—boxes of paperwork, aging documents, and an old cardboard index card file filled with handwritten burial and ownership information. The records represented more than a century of cemetery history, but much of that information existed only on paper.
Recognizing the importance of preserving this history, the Board's first priority was to identify every person interred at the cemetery and establish a reliable record of ownership for every burial site. To accomplish this, the Board hired local Lutz resident and Post 108 Auxiliary member Toni Hedstrom to lead a comprehensive digitization and mapping project.
What followed was an ambitious 18-month effort to transform the way the cemetery was managed and experienced.
Every available record was digitized. Burial locations were researched and verified. The entire cemetery was digitally mapped, creating one of the most comprehensive cemetery management systems in the region.
Today, visitors to Lutz Cemetery can connect to the cemetery's free Wi-Fi and access interactive digital maps that allow them to search burial records, view ownership information, and even receive GPS-guided directions directly to a loved one's gravesite.
Throughout the project, Mrs. Hedstrom worked closely with Legionnaire Ed Marquis to investigate burial locations and ensure that no one was forgotten. Their efforts included carefully probing and documenting gravesites across the property, helping uncover numerous previously unidentified burial locations and preserving the memory of individuals whose records might otherwise have been lost to history.
The digitization effort also revealed something unexpected.
For many years, it was widely believed that Lutz Cemetery had reached capacity and that no burial sites remained available. However, through detailed mapping, record verification, and field investigation, the new cemetery team discovered hundreds of previously undocumented available spaces throughout the property.
Today, more than 1,000 burial sites are available, ensuring that Lutz Cemetery can continue serving local families for generations to come. Future plans include the development of additional burial areas and the expansion of columbaria along the cemetery's northern boundary, an area now known as Legacy Lane.
What began as a volunteer effort to care for a community cemetery has evolved into a mission of preservation, innovation, and stewardship. Through the dedication of American Legion Post 108 and its volunteers, Lutz Cemetery is not only honoring the past—it is building a strong foundation for the future.
Explore History at Your Fingertips
Lutz Cemetery is more than a place of remembrance—it's a living archive of our community's history. Using the cemetery's interactive digital map, visitors can search burial records, locate gravesites, explore family connections, and discover the stories of the people who helped shape Lutz and the surrounding area.
The digital map is an invaluable resource for genealogists, family historians, local researchers, students, and anyone interested in preserving the history of our community. Whether you're tracing your family tree, researching pioneer families, locating a veteran's final resting place, or simply learning more about the people who came before us, the system makes exploring the cemetery easier than ever. Visitors can even use GPS-guided navigation to walk directly to a specific gravesite.
In recent years, significant investments have been made to restore and beautify the cemetery grounds. Overgrown areas have been cleared, landscaping has been improved, and the majestic oak trees that define the cemetery's character have been carefully lifted and maintained to enhance both their health and beauty. The result is a peaceful, park-like setting that honors those who rest here while providing a welcoming place for visitors.
We invite you to spend some time exploring Lutz Cemetery. Take a quiet walk beneath the canopy of century-old oaks, discover the stories etched into historic headstones, and experience a unique connection to the people and events that shaped our community. Whether you're researching history or simply seeking a moment of reflection, Lutz Cemetery offers a beautiful and tranquil place to pause, remember, and connect with the past.
Preserving the Legacy for Another Century
As the Lutz Cemetery enters its second century, the focus remains on preservation and community engagement. Lutz Cemetery encourages everyone to get involved!
By working together, the community ensures that this historic site remains a treasured landmark for another hundred years.
A Living Monument to Lutz’s Past
The Lutz Cemetery is more than just a collection of graves—it is a chronicle of the town’s journey, from its early days as a rural settlement to its present as a thriving Florida community. Each headstone, each name, carries a piece of history, waiting to be remembered.
Whether you come to trace your family roots, honor a veteran, or simply reflect on the passage of time, Lutz Cemetery stands as a sacred space where stories live on.
Visit, remember, and be part of the next chapter in this century-old legacy.
