Photo for the Tribune by Erik Unger             

Fred Lutter (right), walks with his brother, William, who was institutionalized at age 5. "He just radiates love," Fred Lutter says.

Broken family is whole again

As a boy, William Lutter was sent to a home for the disabled and soon lost contact with his family - until a reunion five decades later.

By Lisa Black

Tribune Staff Writer

For 54 years, Fred Lutter knew his brother only through sketchy childhood memories, blurry black-and-w2hite snapshots and hushed family conversations.

If he asked about William "Billy" Lutter, his mother would say, "Forget about him. Go on with your life."

Billy had been placed in a state institution at age 5 after doctors determined that he suffered physical and mental disabilities. It was the 1930s and doctors routinely recommended institutionalization and also advised families not to visit because it would upset the patients.

Still Fred Lutter did not forget Billy, and today, after more than five decades apart, he and his two younger sisters not only know their brother, they know a whole lot more about love, loyalty and forgiveness.

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