Tommy Gene Lotze, (Tom), was born May 21, 1957 in Colville Washington to Jack Melvin and Beverly Joan (Weaver) Lotze. He was the oldest of 4 children and the big brother to Patty, Gary, and Denise.  He grew up and lived his entire life in Stevens County. Tom passed away unexpectedly on September 15, 2021.

Tom attended school in Colville and then started working in the woods at the young age of 16 alongside his father. He went on to work for several different logging companies in the area as an equipment operator for over 40 years.  He also contracted to fight fires when needed with his equipment.

On January 9, 1981 he married Debra Sue Zerba in Addy, WA. They soon moved to Zerba Mountain where they raised their 3 sons, Justin, Daniel and Cody Lotze. Deb and Tom celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary earlier this year.

Tom was a wonderful husband, father and grandpa. He was a strong, quiet and constant support for his friends and family. He was an avid outdoorsman. He loved to fish and hunt and shared this joy with his sons and grandchildren. He could often be found on a 4 wheeler or side by side, out for a ride. Tom was also a champion huckleberry picker who out-picked everyone who dared to compete.  He believed in strong values, working hard, towing the line, speaking only the truth, standing by his word and unfaltering patience.

Around the age of 45, Tom decided to give up his life-long habit of smoking. He accomplished this by eating super-hot fire ball candy and taking long walks. He continued to enjoy his long 3-5 mile walks with his faithful dog, Buster, nearly every day that he didn't work due to spring break up or just a day off.

Tom was preceded in death by his grandparents, his father Jack and his sister Denise.

Tom is survived by his loving wife, Deb. at the home; sons Justin (Jenna) Lotze, Colville, Washington; Dan (Jennifer) Lotze of Addy, Washington; Cody (Jodi)Lotze of Chewelah, Washington; mother Joan Lotze of Kettle Falls, Washington; sister Patty (Dave) Price of Hunters, Washington brother Gary Lotze of Kettle Falls, Washington; grandchildren Hayley (Tyler), Blake, Dakoata, Brantley, Carsyn, Aiden, James, Jacoby, Kyleigh, Ben, Khloe, Tyler, Riley, Lexi, Allie; and a host of extended family and friends.

A graveside service and vault interment will begin at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, September 23, 2021 at the Summit Valley Cemetery near Addy, WA.  Pastor Matt Pecquex will officiate.  Memorial contribution may be given to the charity of you choice.  Please visit the online memorial and sign the guestbook at www.danekasfuneralchapel.com .  Danekas Funeral Chapel and Crematory is entrusted with the arrangements.