Lucille Elizabeth Stietz, 91, died October 16, 2022 at Scottsdale Village Square, Scottsdale, Arizona.
Lucille was born on July 4, 1931 in Gratiot, WI to Henry and Leona Stietz. Lucille was adventurous, intelligent, hard working and had a great love of nature. After graduating from high school, she worked at the Monroe Evening Times.
Lucille and her sister Mary left Wisconsin in 1958 to explore the world! For the next twelve years they lived in various places, working and getting to know the area and the culture. When they had enough savings, they went traveling by car, train, plane and freighter. They traveled to Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, the Islands of Fuji, Tonga and Tahiti, Canada, Mexico and spent six months driving through Europe.
Lucille lived in Alaska from 1961 to 1962 while waiting to take a freighter trip. In 1970 Lucille and Mary made Anchorage, Alaska their home. Lucille worked at the Bank of Alaska, working her way to vice president of the mortgage department. Lucille loved her work and working with her employees at the bank. She took many trips to visit property in small towns and villages in Alaska, many accessible only by boat or plane. In September 1976, Lucille and Mary purchased their second floor condo with a view of Denali. They welcomed many family and friends to stay with them on trips to Alaska, with Lucille serving as a tour guide, taking guests to places that only a native would know. Lucille and Mary loved going to their cabin at Big Lake and cruising around the lake “loon looking” in the Merryseal I and II. Lucille loved golfing, hiking, observing nature, taking pictures of nature and reading.
In March 2007, Lucille decided she wanted to spend her winters in a warmer climate, and she officially became a “snow bird” when she purchased a condo in Scottsdale, Arizona. She spent time golfing, hiking, bird watching - especially enjoying watching the baby bald eagles hatch in their very large nests - reading, swimming, sun bathing and playing cards. When the temperatures starting rising in Arizona and the snow and ice melting in Alaska, Lucille was on a plane back to Anchorage. November 2018, Lucille moved permanently to Scottsdale to be closer to family, selling her condo in Alaska. March 2020, Lucille moved to her final home at Scottsdale Village Square, where she passed away with family at her side on Sunday, October 16, 2022. Lucille will forever be remembered by her family and friends.
Lucille requested that no services be held. She leaves her love to her wonderful family and friends. You were the treasures of her life!
Lucille was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Joseph, Lavern, Edward and Clifford Stietz; her sisters Dorothy Phillips and Mary Stietz. She is survived by her sisters, Louise Drye, Clara Gerber, and Rose Stietz; and many nieces and nephews.
Donations can be made in Lucille’s name to two of her favorite Arizona places:
Desert Botanical Garden at dbg.org/support/tribute and click on Donate
OR
PhoenixZoo.org and click on Donate in the top right corner.
