Maggie Luitjens

Ashton, Iowa Maggie Luitjens age 90 of Ashton, IA died Monday, February 17, 2014 at Osceola Community Hospital in Sibley, IA. Funeral service will be 1:30 PM, Thursday, February 20, 2014 at Zoar Presbyterian Church rural George, IA, with Rev. Dale Lint officiating. Burial will follow in the Gilman Township Cemetery in Ashton, IA. Visitation will be Wednesday, February 19th from 3:00 to 8:00 PM, with the family present from 7:00 to 8:00 PM at the Jurrens Funeral Home of Ashton, IA. Maggie Marie Luitjens was born May 17, 1923 in Sibley, IA to Henry and Lena (Norman) Kruger at her grandparents George and Maggie Krugers home. She married Arnold Luitjens April 6, 1945 at her parents home in Sibley. After graduation she worked at the ration board office in Sibley. Maggie and Arnold farmed together for 10 years on a farm just east of the home place. Then in 1955 they moved onto the family farm, which was named a Century Farm in 1991. They lived there together for 55 years raising their two sons. Arnold passed in 2010. Maggie continued to live on the farm. She devoted herself to her home and farm helping out as needed. She enjoyed garden work, canning, flowers, and cooking for family; especially the grandchildren, making their favorite foods. She enjoyed several wren houses to watch the birds. She really enjoyed Christmas season, cooking, baking, shopping and opening gifts with family after Christmas Eve church service. Maggie enjoyed going with Arnold to Brown Swiss meetings, sales and fairs. She enjoyed showing Brown Swiss at Clay County Fair for 64 years. Maggie was a member of the Presbyterian Church since 1945. She was also a charter member of Mariners Church group. She is survived by two sons, Larry (Eileen) Luitjens and Leslie (Norma) Luitjens all of Ashton; 3 grandchildren, Stacy (Chris) Moore of Duncan, OK, Eric (Amanda) Luitjens of Burt, IA and Loren (Heather) Luitjens of Ashton IA; 3 great-grandchildren, Grace, Lyra and Lisa; sister, Joan Plehall; and many nieces and nephews. Maggie was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Arnold; granddaughter, Lora; sister, Darlene and brother in-law, Albert Buchholtz; brother-in-law, Paul T. Plehall; brother in law, Raymond Luitjens and wife Reka; sister-in-law, Alice and husband Norman Flink and other extended family members.