Joanna 'Fay' Lutz

Joanna 'Fay' Lutz

April 25, 1922 - July 10, 2012

BENKELMAN, Nebraska -- Joanna Fay Osborn Lutz was born on April 25, 1922, at the family farm in rural Dundy County, Nebraska, to Orian M. and Agnes Elvera Sahlin Osborn. She was the fifth of eight children born to them. Fay Lutz passed away on July 10, 2012, in Benkelman, Nebraska, at the age of 90 years, two months and 15 days.

She attended one-room County School District 36 near the family farm and graduated from Benkelman High School with the class of 1939. Fay taught one year in rural county schools north of Haigler, Nebraska, then two years at District No. 37, where she met her future husband. She married Alfred Lutz on June 6, 1942, at Fairmont, Nebraska. To this union four sons were born: Wayne, Mardell, Joe and Tony. They lived their married life on their farm/ranch northwest of Benkelman, Nebraska. Fay moved to town in the spring of 1986 after the death of her beloved husband Alfred on June 26, 1980.

She was baptized and confirmed to the Lutheran faith, where she was a faithful member. She enjoyed volunteering at the Dundy County Senior Center. Fay was also a member of the Sheba Rebekah Lodge No. 321, Lutheran Church Circle and the American Legion Auxiliary.

Fay was born to be a "mother" and "grandma!" "Not afraid to die, just hate to leave my loved ones."

Fay was preceded in death by her husband, Alfred Lutz on June 26, 1980; parents, Orian M. and Agnes Osborn; sisters, Viola Haines and husband, Irvin, Elsie Stephenson and husband, Les; brothers, Dale Osborn and wife, Leona, Landy Osborn and Bill Osborn.

Survivors include sons, Wayne Lutz and wife, Gayle, of Benkelman, Mardell Lutz and wife, Mary, of Oshkosh, Nebraska, Joe Lutz and wife, Judy, of Parks, Nebraska, Tony Lutz of Parks, Nebraska; grandson, Michael Lutz and wife, Ginger of Benkelman, Nebraska; two granddaughters, Anita Krejdl and husband, Jeff of Oxford, Nebraska, Brittney Paulson and husband, Jess of North Platte, Nebraska; four great-grandsons, Austin and Trent Krejdl of Oxford, Cole and Cheve Lutz of Benkelman; three great-granddaughters, Citori and Char Lutz of Benkelman, Kara Krejdl of Oxford; sister, Ilene Erdman and husband, Earl, Haigler, Nebraska; brother, Don Osborn and wife, Loraine, of Benkelman; two sisters-in-law, Phyllis Osborn and family of Chadron, Nebraska, Naomi Osborn and family of Benkelman; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Funeral Services will be held Thursday morning, July 12, 2012, 10:30 a.m. at the Zion Lutheran Church of Benkelman with Pastor George Matthews officiating. Interment will follow at the Benkelman Cemetery, Benkelman.

Fay chose no public visitation.

A memorial has been established to the Zion Lutheran Church of Benkelman or the Dundy County Senior Center.

Forch Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.