Jean Lutz’s Obituary
Gloria Jean Shrum was born to William “Bill” and Gladys (Schulke) Shrum on October 17, 1928 on their farm near the Rollwitz community in northwest Dundy County. She passed away at the Sarah Ann Hester Memorial Home on Friday, July 20th, 2018 at eight-nine (89) years old. She was the oldest of four (4) children: Carol (Tyerman), Jackie (Martin), and William Shrum. William died of pneumonia at six (6) months old.
Jean spent her childhood on her parents’ farm and attended the Rollwitz School District #48 during her grade school years. She attended high school in Benkelman, boarding in town with relatives. After her high school graduation in 1946, she attended a beauty school in Grand Island, Nebraska. She moved back to Benkelman after graduation and worked at a local beauty salon. At a local dance in early 1948, she met the love of her life, Carl Lutz. He was the son of Christian and Bertha Lutz. They were married later that year on August 29th, 1948 at the Zion Lutheran Church for sixty-eight (68) years until Carl’s death in 2017. She was a life long member of the church and attended faithfully until her health failed in later years. They began their young married life on the farm where Carl resided. To this marriage, four (4) children were born: their oldest, Cathy was born in 1949, Jim in 1951, Scott in 1958, and youngest daughter, Lori in 1965.
They worked many long hours in the fields alongside each other. She took care of their young children along with helping Carl with their farm and cattle herd. She raised chickens, milked cows, sewed clothes, and had a love for riding horses. Her dinners were homemade not only feeding her family but any hired hands that worked on the farm throughout the years.
Jean wholeheartedly served her family. She welcomed and extended her home to all. She was known for hosting crowded holiday gatherings that could be remembered by her trademark of homemade bread and noodles, and the rumble of traded stories and laughter. Jean not only nurtured her family, but took pride in her bountiful garden and the canned items that would be savored later. She had a love of golfing and her swing matched her strong and fierce spirit. She also had a love for shopping, and these antiques, jewelry, or clothing were a creative outlet for her.
Jean was preceded in death by her husband, Carl Lutz; parents, Bill and Gladys Shrum; infant brother, William Shrum; sister, Carol Tyerman; mother and father in-law, Christian and Bertha Lutz; sisters-in-law, Loraine Osborn, Ella Lutz, Faye Lutz; brothers-in-law, Martin Lutz, Alfred Lutz, Don Osborne and Pace Tyerman.
She is survived by her sister, Jackie; sister-in-law, Helen Stevens; and her children and spouses - which include Cathy and Mike David, Jim and Linda Lutz, Scott and Brenda Lutz, and Lori and Todd Zurcher. Her legacy will continue in her eleven (11) grandchildren, four (4) step grandchildren, thirteen (13) great-grandchildren and five (5) step great-grandchildren. Her faith in God, passionate spirit, and genuine love will forever live in the hearts of her family, friends, and the many others that she touched.
Funeral Services will be 10:30 A.M. (MT), Thursday, July 26, 2018 at the Zion Lutheran Church in Benkelman with Pastor Doug Hjelmstad officiating. Interment will follow in the Benkelman Cemetery.
No viewing; it was Jean’s wish that the casket remain closed before and during services.
A memorial has been established in Jean’s name.
Online condolences may be left at liewerfuneralhome.com
BENKELMAN MEMORIAL CHAPEL IS ENTRUSTED WITH ARRANGEMENTS