Mary Lou Luttschwager

Mary Lou Luttschwager, 74, Jamestown, North Dakota, was called home on Tuesday, October 27, 2009 following a brief battle with cancer and complications due to a stroke. Her extended family was by her side as much as possible for 2 weeks at Innovis Hospital in Fargo, ND. She was blessed to have her children by her side when she passed away.

Mary Lou was born September 18, 1935 in Nome, North Dakota, the daughter of Albert and Edith (Maasjo) Tronson. She attended Valley City State Teacher's College where she met her future husband, Ronald Luttschwager. Mary Lou and Ronald were married in Valley City, ND on August 10, 1958.

After pursuing teaching positions in Grafton, Emerado and Larimore, ND, Mary Lou and Ron eventually settled in Jamestown, ND in 1963, where they made their home the remainder of their lives. While always maintaining a passion for education, Mary Lou's true vocation was that of devoted wife and mother.

Mary Lou lived her faith as a member of Trinity Lutheran Church. She participated in the hand bell choir and volunteered countless hours to her parish. Mary Lou was also blessed with many caring friends and neighbors. She will leave a void among the women who enjoy morning coffee at Hardee's, her TOPS group, the Red Hat Society, the Hospital Auxiliary, and PEO, an education-focused organization.

Mary Lou cherished making countless memories at her lake home on Juanita Lake with family and friends. She also appreciated the challenge of the daily crossword puzzle, the Jamestown Blue Jays, the Minnesota Twins, the Minnesota Vikings, travel, seasonal decorating, volunteering, sweets, shopping, proper grammar and elbows off the table while eating!

She leaves behind: daughter, Karla (Brion) Plautz, Wheaton, MN and their children, Derek (Stacy) and Sonja; son Craig (Teresa), St. Cloud, MN and their children, Alyssa and Abby; and son Kent (Diane) Williston, ND and Diane's children, Kyra (Joey), Michelle, Jacob and Gabriel; two sisters, Joy (Neil) McFadgen, Dickinson, ND and Betty Werblun, Woodland, CA; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ronald; parents, Albert and Edith Tronson; father-in-law, Walter Luttschwager and mother-in-law, Esther Luttschwager; brother-in-law, Dick Semmens; sister-in-law, Mavis Semmens and sister-in-law, Jean Luttschwager.

A special thank you to the caring staff at Innovis Hospital and for the support of friends and family. Another angel has secured her spot at the bridge table in heaven, and she will assure there are no elbows on the card table! Rest in eternal peace, Mother, Grandmother and Friend.