Darren "Sweet D" Lutz was a force of nature in life. Nothing was impossible to him…just a challenge to be overcome which led to extraordinary feats and unforgettable adventures. It was said by many who were in Darren's presence that they always walked away having learned something new.

Darren's journey began in Manitowoc, WI on August 2, 1966, born to Marilyn Obester, followed by his two sisters Cheryl (Lutz) Sullivan and Pam (Lutz) Dennison, and his brother Troy Obester who arrived soon after.

Darren's childhood was filled with everything he would come to love in life: drumming, painting, creating music, art, and inventing. His musical career started at the age of seven playing in the drum line for Clipper City Shipmates. Darren marched toward bigger goals when he was accepted into the Northern Step Drum Corp, marching in the national DCI competitions and ultimately becoming an instructor himself.

In his teens, Darren taught himself to play the electric guitar and drums launching a lifelong love of performing on stage. After graduating from Lincoln High School in 1984, Darren hit the road with his electric guitar, drumsticks, voice, and passion for music. He cultivated many bands beginning with Body and Soul that toured the national Playboy Club scene and The Source. Darren and his brother-in-law, Ken Dennison, created the unique and popular bands Buck Russel and the Grippy Slippers as well as Tin Can Hooptie. His crowning achievement KAT HOUSE, a national touring band, opened for famous rock bands such as Winger and Foghat. To this day his bandmates still call him 'brother.'

In the early 1990's, after his life on the road, Darren settled down in Charlotte, NC where he delved back into his love of art. After buying his first computer, Darren educated himself with skills in graphic design, illustration, and animation. His talents and passion culminated to a point when he was accepted into the coveted stop motion animation apprenticeship for John Lemmon Films where he created HenryCycle.

Darren was a born leader with an entrepreneurial soul. He saw everything as an opportunity to follow a dream without fear or hesitation. He launched his first business, D-Zine Graphic Design while in Charlotte and helped support and create Wisconsin Connection Tours with his mother and sister Pam in Manitowoc. We would soon learn this would only be the beginning of Darren's ambitious entrepreneurial spirit.

God had something wonderful in store for Darren's next journey when he became father to Chloe Mistele born June 25, 1992. He welcomed this new adventure with excitement and jumped into fatherhood feet first filling his bookshelves with lessons on how to be the world's greatest father.

Darren's life forever changed when he married the love of his life Tina (Mocco) Lutz on September 19, 2003, and his family blossomed with the love of mother & father-In-law, Sandra & James R. Klemm (and Steven Hassell, who after James death in 2012, Sandra married in 2014); father & mother-in-law, Monte & Elena Mocco; brother-in-law, Emmanuel Mocco; sister-in-law, Shawna Mocco.

They were two souls that were absolutely meant to be together. True soul mates. There doesn't seem to be a couple who adored each other more, had more fun together, could laugh any harder, and were not afraid to take risks…. all while being together almost 24/7 for 22 years!

Many thought they were a bit crazy as they ventured into any and every hare-brained scheme without hesitation. Most notably, they took their passion for film, animation, and technology and opened Balance Studios, Inc on September 11, 2001. Their business launched them into an extraordinary 22-year journey that brought them around the world where they worked with top museums, brands, education, and entertainment as they pushed the barriers of creativity and innovation.

As if one company wasn't enough, they needed an outlet for their own ideas and products which lead to the creation of epicsoft, LLC, Believe Animation Studios, WonderWerkz Publishing, and Gray Man Films where they created many first-of-a-kind products.

One thing Darren always said was, "If it wasn't for our dedicated and passionate crew, we couldn't do any of this." He was a masterful leader that could pull the best out you, motivating and inspiring you to be better than you ever thought possible and accomplish more than you dreamed. Darren never wanted accolades or awards. His reward was seeing the success of the crew and clients. The goal from the beginning was, and will continue to be, to impact and change as many lives as possible while always making the client the hero.

When Darren didn't think his heart could be fuller, they were blessed with the arrival of their beautiful son Seamus Jo Lutz on May 6, 2007, booming into their life with the same sparkling blue eyes, infectious smile and instant zest for life as his dad. Seamus was his dad's constant companion and will carry on Darren's legacy for love of family, friends, life and God. Finally, on March 15, 2015, their almost-human Golden Retriever, Dodger-Dog rounded out the family.

Darren cultivated special relationships with his in-laws, Pat Sullivan and Ken Dennison; along with each of his nieces and nephews, Mike Lafond, Brian "Pooty" Sullivan, Jerrod Sullivan, Mason Sullivan, Paige Sullivan, Brittany (Obester) Kell, Matthew Dennison, Grace Dennison, Anessa Coppens, Landen Coppens, Connley Ruff. They are all so proud to call him uncle!

Like all extraordinary things, God had different plans for Darren and called him home way to soon on November 30, 2023. He was welcomed into Heaven with open arms by his mother, Marilyn Obester and his father-in-law, James R Klemm, along with many grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Darren's spirit is still very much alive and will live on in our hearts forever.

We invite you to celebrate his remarkable life with us.

Family and friends will gather at Blaney Funeral Home, 1521 Shawano Ave, Green Bay, WI 54303 on December 7, 2023 from 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Prayer Services to follow. Burial will be in Fort Howard Memorial Park's Chapel, 1350 N. Military Ave, Green Bay, WI 54303, on Friday, December 8, 2023 starting at 1:00 p.m. followed by a procession to Darren's final resting place. To send online condolences, please go to www.BlaneyFuneralHome.com.

We are honoring Darren's life as he lived it, as a grand celebration! In honor of Darren, please bring your favorite story that you can add to the memory box, a picture to add to his memory boards, or something to add to the memory table. Oh – and come in your best and most fun party attire – please try not to wear black.