Rene M. Leutz
Rene M. Leutz
October 07, 1963 ‐ November 26, 2020
Rene M. Leutz (nee Gates), age 57, loving wife of Karl for 22 years and adoring mother of Erich. Dear daughter of Georgia (Bambousek)Gates and the late Gary. Sister of David (Antonia) and Timothy (Catherine). Aunt of Amanda, Alyssa, Andrew (AJ), Joshua, DJ, and Drew. Funeral Service to be held Friday, December 4 at 10:30 am at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 27993 Detroit Road, Westlake. Friends and family will be received from 4-8 pm on Thursday at Jenkins Funeral Chapel, 2914 Dover Center Road, Westlake. MASKS ARE REQUIRED. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Gigi's Playhouse, 15316 Detroit Road, Lakewood, OH 44107
Guest Comments
Sandy Athanas
Vermilion, OH
Just streamed Rene’s funeral service. Beautiful service for a wonderful person. I thought I knew how how great a person she was, but what I knew only scratched the surface. She is now doing her good from above.
Kathleen Dalton
North Ridgeville, OH
My heart goes out to Karl and Erich and Rene's entire family. Rene will truly be missed at Louis Agassiz. She was a wonderful teacher and most of all, a friend to us all. You are all in my thoughts and prayers!
Catherine Dawkins
Cleveland, Ohio
Rene was a colleague of mine. We worked at Louis Agassiz together. Even though I only knew her for a short period of time (3 years) I had become very fond of her! She was more than welcoming my first year as a sped para. She introduced herself and made me feel right at home. Rene was one of those people who brought light to many lives. I want to send my condolences to Karl and the family! I send nothing but strength and love throughout this difficult time!
Jade Fisher
Morgantown, WV
Cousin Rene was such a kind person and will be missed. Hugs to all of my family in Ohio and surrounding states.
Andrea Aspden
Parma, Oh
My thoughts and prayers are with you. She will live forever in the children she touched in Cleveland. What wonderful legacy to leave.
Cheryl Lisiewski
Middleburg Heights, Ohio
Karl and Erich, my heart breaks for you. You are in my prayers. Rene welcomed me with open arms when I was at Louis Agassiz. Her love of teaching science was evident. Rest easy my friend.
Eileen Shestina
Lakewood Ohio
My Thought and Prayers are with Rene’s family at this time . Rene was a childhood friend from Edwards ave. She was always smiling and so kind. Rene and her family where truly missed when they moved. We are all blessed to have wonderful memories of this wonderful women. God Bless her Family at this sad time .
Eileen Shestina
Lakewood Ohio
My Thought and Prayers are with Rene’s family at this time . Rene was a childhood friend from Edwards ave. She was always smiling and so kind. Rene and her family where truly missed when they moved. We are all blessed to have wonderful memories of this wonderful women. God Bless her Family at this sad time .
Kim Crandall
Fairview Park, Ohio
Prayers for all who knew and loved Rene. Although I did not personally know her, as a fellow CTU member, I am saddened by her passing. God Bless her for all of the lives she positively influenced as a Cleveland teacher.
Kim Reynolds
Mentor, Ohio
Teachers are Angels on Earth, now Rene is an Angel in Heaven. I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sarah Hodge
Cleveland, Ohio
Your family is in my prayers in your time of need. Rene was a colleague of mine and a member of our student memorial committee to honor the memories of our students with love. She will be sorely missed, but she leaves a legacy of love and learning in her wake. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Sarah Hodge
Cleveland, Ohio
Your family is in my prayers in your time of need. Rene was a colleague of mine and a member of our student memorial committee to honor the memories of our students with love. She will be sorely missed, but she leaves a legacy of love and learning in her wake. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Cindy Remer
Lakewood,Oh
So very sorry for your loss. A neighbor to both my sister and me, Rene was always cheerful and kind. I remember her fondly from our time at Lakewood High School. God Bless.
Kropp/Turley family
Cleveland OH
She was a wonderful teacher. She made learning fun and fostered the love of science in her students. She was such a kind hearted person and we all are honored to have had her help shape us into the people we are. She may physically be gone but she lives on in the hearts of her students and family.
Ralph Kelley
Cleveland, Ohio
I am so sorry for the loss to this wonderful family. May Rene rest in peace. God bless her and her family.
Joseph Di Cinto and Barbar Gibson
Rocky River, Ohio
So sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Gwen Dickerhoof
Hiram,Ohio
Renee was one of a kind. A special person that one rarely meets and I was blessed to have known. Karl and Erich, my thoughts of peace for you and hopes your memories of he beautiful times you had with Renee guide you through your grief.. She will never leave your hearts as she is a part of them. Prayers for you both and for the family.
Kim
Westlake Ohio
May the comfort of the Holy Spirit super surround you Karl and Erich she is truly a sweet spirit and wonderful person
Donald soldan
Cleveland ohio
She was a great teacher she will be missed
Trula Earthgarden
Avon Lake
She was one of the kindest teachers I have ever met or worked with. She had a way with middle-school children that was remarkable to see. I never had any problems when subbing for her class because her students didn't like to disappoint her, they really liked and respected her. My deepest condolences to the family.
Alexis Pohlman
Columbia Station, Ohio
I met Rene when I taught at Louis Agassiz. We taught in the middle school together for about 8 years. Rene is one of the nicest, most generous people I have ever met. She was a great support to all her colleagues and would do anything for them. When I left Louis Agassiz I missed her smiles and her welcoming presence. She was a bright light to every day. Rene was also amazing with her students. She always had them doing fantastic things in her science class. She worked hard to give her students many great experiences with science. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends. She will be missed.
The Robert Wichlinski Family
Valparaiso, IN
Our thoughts and prayers are with you today and the days to come.
Bill and Aunt Gayle
Tehachapi CA
Memories may be all we have today, but the hearts you have touched as a daughter, wife, mother, teacher, niece and friend of many will not be forgotten. You gave so much more love and kindness to this world than you probably would have realized. I will never forget you as my sweet, happy, beautiful flower girl at 4 years-old dancing and running about in your pretty dress. Dearest Rene, you will be missed. May you rest in the arms of Christ. May God comfort Georgia, Karl, Erich, David and Tim as you were taken way too soon from them. Rest is peace Dear Niece. Love you.
Aunt Gayle and Bill
Mark J Oskay
Tehachapi
Our hearts are with you, Karl & Erich, I loved my cousin Rene, she was a such a joyful positive soul that impacted many people and her students. <3
Alan Mintz
Cleveland, Ohio
From our first meeting I found Rene to be a warm and caring person. I worked with her as her son’s teacher. The sudden loss of anyone is tragic. I am so saddened by her passing and so fortunate to have known her.
Victoria Maxey
Fairview Park, Ohio
My prayers and thoughts are with all of Renee’s family, husband and son. Renee will be truly missed.
Mickey and Erin Moses
Mentor Ohio
So saddened to hear of the loss of our fellow CTU teacher. Our prayers and condolences to her family. Rest In Peace sister.
Amber Heaton
Pittsburgh PA
I am incredibly saddened by this loss. My heart goes out to Karl, Erich and their family. Rene was my middle school science teacher but she taught me so much more than academics. She taught me that there is good in the world and that it is ok to be silly sometimes. She was one of the only understanding and caring people I had during a very difficult time in my life. She touched so many lives. May her spirit live on in the memories of those that loved her.
Sue Ellen Nussbaum
I remember meeting Rene on my first day of teaching for CMSD. She was as kind, open hearted and fun then as she has been the 20+ years I had the pleasure of knowing her. My heart is with you, Karl and Erich, you were her world.
Benjamin Bagocius
Lakewood, Ohio
Even before I met Mrs. Leutz, I knew she was an incredible person, because her son Erich, a student of mine, was so warm-hearted, eager to learn, articulate and personable, and immensely respected by his peers, faculty, and staff at school. I met Mrs. Leutz at parent/teacher conferences, and I knew immediately by her warmth of personality and vividness in her eyes that she was her son's mother. Mrs. Leutz's presence was like rays of sunlight in the room as soon as she entered, and she made me feel good about myself and my work as a teacher. I will never forget how valued she made me feel in our brief -- but unforgettable-- meeting, and when I get down to this day and doubt myself as a teacher, I think about her words of affirmation. I am so inexpressibly sorry, Mr. Leutz and Erich, for this bewildering and unthinkable loss. I wish you peace that passes understanding whenever you see light of any kind, which is who your wife and mother always was and continues to be. In the words of Emily Dickinson:
We knew not that we were to live –
Nor when – we are to die –
Our ignorance – our cuirass is –
We wear Mortality
As lightly as an Option Gown
Till asked to take it off –
By his intrusion, God is known –
It is the same with Life –
We all know God better because we were impacted by Mrs. Leutz's beautiful blazing brilliance. And no one can and nothing can take that away from us. May the Peace that passes understanding be with you.
Benjamin Bagocius
Lisa
Cleveland
She was so fun to be around when we visited Colorado. I will remember how she made us all feel welcomed. She really is a kind spirit.
Holly Ousley-Lavender
Upper Marlboro, Maryland
I had the pleasure of working with Mrs. Leutz at LA and I am so saddened to hear of her passing. She was kind, always smiling and truly loved her students! My prayers are with her beloved husband, cherished son, and countless number of students she touched!
Lakisha Tuggle & Cherylane Jones -Williams
Painesville Ohio
Condolences, Prayers and Positive Thoughts
Ctu279 Paraprofessional Chapter
Elizabeth Simon
Rene was the sweetest person I have ever known. She always had a big smile on her face. Rene is my sister in law and we would always laugh and tell stories about teaching at Cleveland Metropolitan School District at every family get together. The last time I saw Rene was at a family birthday party. Before she left the party, she gave me a big hug and said, “I’m a hugger!” Her last words to me will remain in my heart forever. Rene is in Heaven now with her dad smiling at all of us and giving us all a big hug. See you one day in heaven, Rene. I love you.
Erika Engel
N Ridgeville
My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this time.
Lynn Young
LORAIN Ohio
I work with Tim and am so very sorry for his and his family loss. Mine and my husband's thoughts and prayers are with him and his family. He always has had a sweet and kind words to say about his sister and all of the family as well. May she rest in peace. I hope all well wishes for the family. Please take care .
Shari Obrenski
Willoughby, OH
Your Brothers and Sisters of the Cleveland Teachers Union are deeply saddened by your passing. You were loved by colleagues and students alike. Prayers for our Brother, Karl, and Erich. Rest in Heaven, Sister.
Marjorie Solar
Brookpark, Ohio
My sweet and loving niece who was always smiling and laughing. I will miss your hugs. What a dedicated teacher you were to your students. They will miss your talent. May God be with Karl and their son Erich to share wonderful memories at this difficult time of their lives. Be also with Georgia, Her Mom, brothers.David,Tim and families. Love you,, Aunt Margie.
Dawn Owens
I knew Rene through her loving husband, Karl. When he spoke of Rene, his eyes lit up with joy. When he spoke of Rene, it was with passion and devotion. Rene was his soulmate, companion and friend, but what he loved most was Rene was “his wife”. No words can heal the pain but know that you, Karl and Erich, with family, are in my prayers.
John and Stacy Simon
Rocky River, Ohio
Renee was a great person, friend and mother. She will be remembered as a teacher and mentor to hundreds of students. She had impacted the lives of her peers and had such a wonderful relationship with Karl and Erich. She joins her father in heaven and watches over us until we meet again.
Meryl Johnson
Cleveland Ohio
Renee was one of the first Cleveland teachers union members to reach out to me when I ran for the State Board of Education in 2016. I will always remember her for her loving support of me and I will remember her for being just a really really wonderful person. Her family will be in my prayers.
Lori bloomer
Cleveland
Words cant Express how sad I feel. Your smile and personality lit up the world. You were a wonderful teacher and all of your students are truly blessed to have had you. I will always remember the fun times we had on our cruises, singing karaoke at gracys , our little bowling team, and the fun we had working at picturetakers. Thank you for being my maid of honor you were the best. Thank you for bumping my car on our first day at Charles lake it allowed us to have our great 35 year friendship. You were always there when I needed support or a shoulder to cry on in my darkest time. You were a great mom, wife, teacher and friend . You will forever be missed. Let your angel wings shine brightly my friend. I love you
Jean Powe
Lakewood, Ohio
This is such a horribly sad loss for the world. This sweet, wonderful woman will forever be missed but she will live on in all of the young lives she so beautifully influenced. I will be praying for peace and comfort for Karl and Erich and all of their family.
Melinda Dang
Cleveland, OH
Rene was my middle school science teacher. She touched so many hearts and nurtured my soul. She was sweet, kind, quirky, and fun. She sparked joy in me and coaxed me out of my introverted shell a tiny bit. I remember her showing the class Bill Nye the Science Guy and having other movies on too, because we needed to just be kids and simply enjoy some days. We made these sugar crystals as well. I liked the projects we did and how understanding she was with people. She is someone I will miss dearly, and I know her impact on others is indescribable.
Susan Chapman
Conway SC
I am so sorry and wish I could be there. There are no words to express the deep depth of my sorrow. You both are in my thoughts and prayers. Love you.
Recellanese Williams
Cleveland
Your beautiful personality your bright smile your concern for All Humans will truly truly be missed my heart is broken and I am praying for Karl a wonderful coworker Eric and the rest of of the family Lord knows you are going to be missed love you a wonderful coworker
Dawn Hazzard Slate
Ewing, NJ
My heart is broken, the world will forever be a bit darker. I will never forest that giggle or her smile. Rest in peace, old friend.
Judy Dixon
North Olmsted, Ohio
I'm very saddened by the loss of this amazing woman. When I started teaching in 1989, Rene was across the hall from me and my partner for 4 years at Charles Lake. She kept me from losing my mind that first year and I'm a better teacher because of her. Even after going different directions, when we ran into each other, it was always like we were never apart. My deepest condolences to her while family. She will be greatly missed by all who were blessed to know her.