Elizabeth Luetgers

Elizabeth Gertrude Luetgers, 97, a resident of Fergus Falls, died Wednesday, July 17, 2013, at PioneerCare in Fergus Falls.

Elizabeth was born August 29, 1915, to Christ and Ida (Nordin) Kasten at home in rural Hoffman, MN. She was baptized and confirmed at Bethel Lutheran Church.

She attended country school and graduated from the 8th grade, at which time she could not continue her education because she was needed to work at home and also to work for other families who needed help at various times. She learned to be a seamstress at age 16 and was responsible for mending and sewing for her family. In later years she took tailoring classes and did custom sewing and alterations as well as making clothes for herself and Joyce.

She married Albert (Mat) Luetgers Jr in 1944 and they made their home on a farm near Evansville. Later they moved to Hoffman. Daughter Joyce was born in 1951. Elizabeth lived in Hoffman until 1970 at which time she moved to Fergus Falls.

After moving to Fergus Falls, Elizabeth worked at Rosenblatt’s Sewing Factory and then finished her working career in the housekeeping dept at Lake Region Hospital. After retirement, she enjoyed working with the quilting groups at Augustana Lutheran Church and the Fergus Falls Senior Center, which she continued to do until age 97 10/12 years. She moved to River Bend Apartments in 1992 and enjoyed living there for 19 years, making friends and participating in the various activities.

Elizabeth enjoyed quilting and sewing all her life. She also was able to do some traveling with friends Phyllis, Ethel and Ruth after retirement and they had many happy times together. She also liked to take pictures, make photo albums and scrapbooks and in later years, do word puzzle books.

Preceded in death by father Christ, mother Ida, brothers Glen, Kermit (Bert) and Ray Kasten; sisters Norma (Norris) Bugge and Ina (Charles) Luetgers; son-in-law Ray Fleischfresser; niece Doris Luetgers, cousins Gladys Anderson, Lester Nordin, Laurane Jensen, Violet Meyer, Orrin Nordin; and “grand dog” Mindy.

Survived by daughter Joyce Fleischfresser, Fargo ND; cousins Wilton (Barbara) Swenson, Mesa AZ/Hoffman; Jennes (Arlou) Swenson, Hoffman; Duane (Lois) Nordin, Hackensack; nieces Sandy Johnson, San Jose, CA; Sharon Brick, Lakeville MN; Diane (Erick) Johnson, Yorktown VA; Virginia Luetgers, Alexandria MN; nephews Dennis (Loreena) Luetgers, Worthington, and Gary Luetgers, Evansville; great-nieces Darcie (Casey) Young, Dixie (Troy) Duerksen, Jennifer (Eric) Schultze, Stephanie Luetgers, and Maiah Johnson; great-nephews Brian Luetgers, Scott (Silvia) Johnson and Nathan Johnson; great-great nieces Danielle Duerksen and Ainsley Elizabeth Schultze; great-great nephews Braden and Ashton Young, Tylor and Treyton Duerksen; and “grand dog” Maggie.
Elizabeth lived a full life and will be missed by all who knew her; blessed be her memory.

Visitation: One hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
Service: 11 a.m. Saturday, July 20, 2013, at Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls.
Clergy: Reverend Steve Wold
Interment: Bethel Cemetery, Hoffman, Minnesota
Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls is in charge of the arrangements.