Marge (Lems) Lutz

October 1, 1928 - May 4, 2018

Visitation: Visitation will be Thursday from 4-8 p.m., family present 6-8 p.m., at Anderson Funeral Home in Canton.

Service: Memorial services will begin at 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 18 at Bethany Reformed Church in Canton.

    Marjorie “Marge” May Jones was born October 1st, 1928 in Muncie, IN to Maurice and Hazel (Chamberlain) Jones.

       She graduated high school in Rock Valley, IA in 1946. She earned her teaching degree from Morningside College, and taught for several years in Sanborn, IA and later at a rural school in Settlers Township near Fairview, SD.

     She married John Lems in June of 1950. They farmed southwest of Inwood, IA until 1958.  They then moved to a farm north of Canton, SD where they raised their six children; Debra, Susan, John Jr. Timothy, Robert, and Lisa.

       Marge married Joseph Lutz in 1984. In 1990, she retired after 13 years at Sioux International and they moved to AZ to care for her mother after her dad passed away. Joe and Marge spent summers at their Lake Alvin home in Harrisburg, SD and winters in Mesa, AZ. Together they played keyboard and guitar with the band “Prairie Country,” and enjoyed watching the Phoenix Suns.  After Joe passed away in 2004, she resided in Sun Lakes, AZ.

      Marjorie was an accomplished musician.  She played piano and organ at Harrisburg United Methodist Church for many years.  Marge loved her lemons and enjoyed baking, spending time with her children, grandchildren and friends, exercising at the pool, listening to music, having lunch with her brother Jim and visiting with her neighbor Margie.  The South Dakota Pasque flower (mayflower) was her favorite, and she enjoyed receiving pictures and pressed flowers each year from her family.

     Marge passed away peacefully in her sleep at Lund Home Hospice in Gilbert, AZ on May 4th, 2018 at the age of 89.

     Marjorie is survived by six children: Daughters-Deb (Dietmar) Kossman of Islamorada, FL; Susy (John) Gorthy of Key Largo, FL; and Lisa Lems (Russ Pyle) of Rhodes, IA; Sons-John (Lori) Lems, Tim (LaVonna) Lems, and Bob (Sandra) Lems, all of Canton, SD; also twelve grandchildren: Casey (Dawn), Chris, and Cory Lems; Ryan, Nick, Jamie (Grant) Lacey, and Tyler Lems; Emily (Ted) Souvignier and Molly (Dan) Windschill; and Andrew, Alex, and Aric Broderick; and six great-grandchildren: Hannah and Ian Lems, Heath and Vivian Souvignier, Beckham Lacey and Noelle Leonard.  She is also survived by her brother Jim (Kathy) Jones, sister Cathy Reinertson, sister-in-law, Marilyn Jones, good friends Margie and John Jensen, and many other family and friends.

     Also survived by three stepsons: Tim (Renee) Lutz of Lincoln, NE; Monte (Diane) Lutz of Sioux Falls, SD; and Mike (Vicky) Lutz of Harrisburg, SD; seven step-grandchildren: Chris Lutz, Nikki (Aaron) Rea, Eric (Torey) Lutz, Laura (Kyle) Kneip, Scott (Teisha) Lutz, Bobbi Joe Lutz, Joe (Ashley) Lutz; and 12 step great-grandchildren: Audrey and Margot Rea, Greta Lutz, Willow and Scout Kneip, Blake and Kaidence Lutz, Marley, Junior, Xander, Raelynn, and Rowan Lutz.

     She is preceded in death by her parents, Maurice and Hazel Jones, husband Joe Lutz, John Lems Sr., brother Robert Jones, and great-granddaughter Josie Windschill.

     Memorial services will begin at 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 18 at Bethany Reformed Church in Canton, SD.  Visitation will be Thursday from 4-8 p.m., family present 6-8 p.m., at Anderson Funeral Home in Canton.

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5 messages have been left

  1. Deb Strand on May 7, 2018 said:

    My dee;est sympathies.
    I remember hanging out at your house and your mom was always so kind and put up with all of us. She was like a second mom. You were blessed with such a sweet, kind and loving mom.
    Hold on to the memories, praying you will find strength in Gods love.
    ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

  2. Deb Strand on May 8, 2018 said:

    My deepest sympathies.
    I remember hanging out at your house and your mom was always so kind and put up with all of us. She was like a second mom. You were blessed with such a sweet, kind and loving mom.
    Hold on to the memories, praying you will find strength in Gods love.
    ❤❤❤❤❤

  3. Robert & Lori Boogerd on May 10, 2018 said:

    Sorry to hear about your Mom. She was a big part of our families life too. I remember coming to your house and riding horses and so many other fond memories, we talk about those days often. I loved going there. She was a special person. So sweet, loving and kind. Hope you can find comfort in all of the great memories you shared with her.

  4. Val Beck on May 11, 2018 said:

    Beautiful lady, with amazing kids!

  5. gayle dunaway on May 19, 2018 said:

    I am so sorry for your loss. I hope your memories will always be happy ones.