Wally Luetje, BHS '64 (1946-2026)

 

Walter Wesley Luetje

July 27, 1946 - October 30, 2026

BHS Class of '64 loses another Classmate...

We are so sad to announce that Walter Wesley "Wally" Luetje BHS '64, passed away this morning (October 30 2026) at the Northern Nevada State Veterans Home in Sparks, Nevada. 

Wally had been suffering from a long-time illness. Wally had recently celebrated his 80th Birthday this past July 27, 2026), with a trip to Burbank via a private chartered jet. He was able to visit with several longtime friends from high school and former co-workers in the LA County Sheriff's Dept. and other law enforcement friends, as well as his sisters Sally and Sue and their families, for a family Birthday Celebration.

Wally was a "people person". He made friends wherever he went. He was "one of a kind" type guy. He served in the US Marine Corps and in Viet Nam. He was a true patriot...

Hopefully, there will be an official obituary from a family member forthcoming. We have no information as to possible Memorial Services. Wally's passing will leave a really big empty spot in all the hearts of those who knew him. 

Semper Fi, Marine...
Pam and Jon Kirkwood BHS '64

Wally with Jon Kirkwood and Dennis King

Wally with Jon and Pam Kirkwood

Wally with Leigh Hilt

UPDATE Nov 14, 2026

A FEW FACEBOOK COMMENTS

Sunny Singer

May his memory be a blessing 💙

Liz Allen

RIP 🙏

Ginny Smallenburg

How sad. He was a dear person. Bless and keep his family and friends.

Virginia Hamilton

My condolences to his family and friends. Rip. 😇🙏

Cecilia Olga Aguirre Sheehan

Rest in peace fellow Bulldog.

Mary Lou Struck Shelton

RIP fellow bulldog- Randy and Mary Lou 🙏🏻

Jean Parrinello-Longmore

So sad Wally was a good friend. RIP. Say hi to Judy ur other good friend. 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

Ray Keddington

RIP  my friend. You will be greatly missed!

For those who know, Wally introduced Janet and me in 1962 and it took until 1999 for me to propose and marry her. Sadly, she passed in 2024. Thank you for the memories.

Peggy Beliveau

My heart is broken 🙏🏻💔💔

Annette Dinolfo Bennett

🙏🏼RIP Bulldog 🙏🏼

Bob Ranney

RIP Wally you were a good man

Martin Lillibridge

RIP Bulldog 🙏

Loanne Walker Ginchereaux

🙏

Mary Seekins

RIP Wally. From Charla Moore’s sister

Rollin Adams

Sorry # 20 had to suffer these past years . Love ya pal.  

Roxanne Lewis

Such a great guy. 👏👏

Patricia Sorley

R.O.P. OLD BILLDOG. Wally what a proud history of courageous service. Condolences to your loved ones left behind. May God hold you & love in your new home.

Cindy Collard

R.I.P. my friend, I will miss our phone conversations & your friendship over the years has been a gift. SEMPER FI BULLGOG 💕

Kathleen Wolfe Lachapelle

🙏🙏🙏

Deb Helsley Bush

Rest in Peace 🕊️

Maureen Murphy

Rest now Wally. We'll all miss you. So happy I got his Cookie package off to him a few weeks back. He sounded a bit tired but I didn't ask. He would just have said he was doing fine.

RIP Sweet man.

Julie Guttridge

We will miss you sweet Wally . You were so much fun in school !

Robert Rodriguez

R.I.P. Bulldog!

Vicki Herrin Fields

Rest in Peace ⚘️

Dan Ballor

Sorry to hear such sad news. See you on the other side.

Penny Jonas Barth

So sorry to hear this… good man.

Susan Peña MacCaskey

😢

Cathy Coyle

The Leutje’s were part of our First Lutheran Church family growing up. First Lutheran on Glenoaks & Alameda. Wally was in my brother, Richard’s class & Sue was in mine. They were a very nice family. May God Bless Wally’s family & May the Lord comfort them & bring them peace.

Peggy Beliveau

Cathy Coyle I met Wally at the First Lutheran Church on Glenoaks and Alameda

Anita Page

RIP

Donna Luce Veatch Neitman

Condolences to the Luetje family! 🙏🙏

Linda Uribe Robinson

He was well-loved by all at school!

Kelli Baker

R.I.P. Wally

William Blum

Sorry to hear that Wally has passed. God rest your sole Wally, we will see each other soon

Gary Holloway

RIP sir

Mel Barnes

God bless

Cal Linam

Great guy and a great football coach. We’ll miss you Wally.

Peggy Melton Cyphers

RIP Wally. You will be missed

Joseph Baldino

He lived next-door to my uncle Fred

Nancy Jean Krogh Brez

Patricia Sorley

So very sad this loss to the world, of a good man who made a difference in this world, helping others I have no doubt, with courage and honor and grace. I as an old person now who knows some suffering, have come to believe, that when it is our time to be released from this realm, hopefully to our God, it is the greatest of blessings. May God welcome you Wally. It was a true pleasure to have known you and call you friend. Patty Stiny.

Mike Colleran, BHS '81 (1963-2026)

Michael Lawrence Colleran

August 4, 1963 - October 25, 2026

Sean Colleran posted on Facebook O͏c͏t͏o͏b͏e͏r͏ ͏2͏5, 2026 this very sad note...

We are extremely sorrowful to let all of you know Michael Lawrence Colleran, born on August 4th, 1963 has passed away on October 25th at the age of 63 after a two month struggle with West Nile virus. Although many of you may know him as a friend, a co-worker, a teacher, or a dentist, I had the honor of being his son! I’m so thankful for the time he spent on this earth. He’s taught me so much and has been such a light to others around him! He’s helped so many people! Thank you Dad! We are all going to miss you and we love you! Your memory will live on in our hearts! We will see you in the stars!

Below are a few of several photos that Sean posted. Please keep Sean, Mike's wife Cyndee and all the family in your prayers for comfort during this very difficult time.

Dan Brumley, BHS '65 (1947-2026)

Daniel Shepard Brumley

October 23, 1947 - October 2026

Sadly, we learned that the BHS Class of 1965, lost another classmate recently. Daniel S. Brumley ’65 passed away suddenly about 2 weeks ago from a heart attack, as reported by his cousin, Judy Allen Houston JBHS ’64.

Danny was born on October 23, 1947 and was originally from Sapulpa, Oklahoma. After graduating from BHS in 1965, he studied Journalism at San Fernando Valley State College. He lived in Pollock Pines, California for many years.

Dan was pre-deceased by his parents (Liz and Carl Brumley) and his son, (Aaron). He is survived by his daughter, (Jennifer Brumley) and his sister, (Karla Pappas), nephews, Bradley DeHaven and Bryce DeHaven, two grandsons, (Leland and London Roche) and his cousin, (Judy Allen Houston).

Danny was a childhood friend of mine and lived right across the street from me on California Street for many years. He was always a nice friendly (kind of shy) boy and he had a great sense of humor. It makes me sad to think he is no longer with us.

God Bless You, Danny

Pam Zipfel Kirkwood BHS ‘64

Barry Sylvester, BHS '59 (1941-2026)

Barry W Sylvester 

May 31, 1941 - September 15, 2026

Daughter Kimberly Sylvester just posted this sad notice today on Facebook...

Barry W. Sylvester, Burbank High School class of 1959, will always be remembered for his service to others...

President of Burbank Rotary, Scoutmaster, Softball coach, Neighbor, Friend, Trustee. Father, Husband, Brother, Son.

Pops was a Hero and father-figure to many. He was born in New York but moved to Southern California at the age of 4. Burbank was his hometown for many years, There he raised a family with Jan Sylvester & was a very well respected CPA.

Barry and his dear dog, Missy, moved to Washington early this year to live with his daughter, Kimberly Sylvester, and her fiance, Patrick Farley. Together with Patrick's mom, Elaine Farley, they shared many memorable adventures, laughter and peace. Treasured memories keep his love and spirit alive.

HIs name will live on with his sons, Ty Sylvester-Gronnier, husband Henry Gronnier-Sylvester and Reese Sylvester and his grandson, Jacob Sylvester, wife Katie Sylvester & 6 grand- children: Luc, Clara, Collette, Jace, Dean & Rex. He was very proud of his granddaughter, Rain Malzahn...

His friends & past clients have reached out to share their fond stories of Barry. He had no enemies and wanted to help everyone.

Generous and kind, his quick wit continues......

A Celebration of Life is planned for this Sunday, Oct 18th at 11am in the Burbank area. Please contact me for more details, if you would like to attend.

Linda Linneweh Bidasio, BHS '64 (1946-2026)

Linda Louise Linneweh Bidasio

December 9, 1946 - October 3, 2026

 

We just received word that sadly, Linda Linnweh Bidasio passed away this past Saturday, October 3, 2026 from complications of pancreatic cancer. 

Linda was the daughter of Lester and Eileen Linnweh. She attended Providencia Elementary School and Luther Jr High before BHS. 

Please keep her family in your prayers.

Stevan Swall, BHS '81 (1963-2018)

Stevan Anthony Swall

January 13, 1963 - February 18, 2018

10th grade photo

Stevan Anthony Swall, 55, of Keaau, Hawaii, died at home on Sunday, February 18, 2018. He was born in Glendale, CA and was a plumber with Drainpipe Plumbing & Solar. Private family services were held. 

He is survived by his: Wife, Margaret Swall of Keaau, HI; Father, Donald Swall, Jr. of Eureka, CA and Mother, Jacqulyn (George) Swall of Simi Valley, CA.

Bob Carter, BHS '66 (1948-2026)

Robert Earl Carter

June 2, 1948 - September 30, 2026

This is more sad news... Bob Carter recently passed away. He was a Realtor and lived in Toluca Lake. I remember him as a fun and friendly guy in high school. May the Lord comfort his family I pray.

Here is a 2018 article about where he lives.

The Crosby Chronicles - Toluca Lake Magazine

Below is the original notice plus a few photos from the 1966 yearbook.

Key Club

UPDATE: Just received this photo of Bob with classmates at Smokehouse August 1, 2026 for their Burbank High Class Reunion. We also learned he was battling cancer.

Standing is Mike Ranshaw

Sitting L-R is Bob Carter, Bob Grina, Gary Richards and Mike Collins