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Merlyn O. Lutter Obituary – 5/12/2014


Merlyn Orville Lutter, age 73, of rural Howard Lake, passed away Monday, May 12, 2014, at St. Mary’s Care Center in Winsted.

He was born July 5, 1940, in Middleville Township, the son of Orville and Evelyn (Shepperd) Lutter. Merlyn was baptized July 28, 1940, at St. James Lutheran Church in Howard Lake by the Rev. Eugene N. Seltz.

He graduated from Howard Lake High School in 1958.

Merlyn was united in marriage to Kathryn Ann Ludwig Aug. 12, 1961, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Columbus, NE. God blessed their marriage with three daughters.

Merlyn farmed one mile from his parents’ farm for over 40 years. He and his daughters enjoyed participating in horse shows.

He served on the AMPI Creamery Board, C & H Ag. Service Board, Central Livestock Shippers Association Board, and was a co-founder of the Wright County Pork Producers. For the last 20 years, he was a member of the Wright County Sheriff’s Mounted Patrol, which gave him the opportunity to pursue his passion for horses.

Merlyn served as secretary of St. James Lutheran Voters’ Assembly, was on the Board of Education, the Board of Trustees, and the Finance Board. He was also a lifelong member of the St. James Choir.

In his retirement, Merlyn was able to spend more time following his grandchildren’s activities, having coffee with friends, and attending auctions.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister-in-law Ruth Hartman; and brothers-in-law Orville Hartman and Ray Aerni.

Merlyn is survived by his wife, Kathy; daughters Lois (Ed) Borner of Lake City, Nancy (Doug) Hasz of Alexandria, and Janet (Dan) Henjum of St. Bonifacius; seven grandchildren; a brother, Norman (Ardys) of Cheyenne WY; a sister, Jean Ostgulen of Rochester; sister-in-law Dorothy Aerni of Columbus, NE; brother-in-law Jim (Cindy) of Columbus, NE; and many other relatives and friends.

A memorial service took place Saturday, May 17 at 11 a.m. at St. James Lutheran Church in Howard Lake.

Visitation was Friday, May 16 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home in Howard Lake, with a 7 p.m. prayer service.

Memorials are preferred to St. James Lutheran Church of Howard Lake, or Wright County Sheriff’s Mounted Patrol.

Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Howard Lake handled the arrangements; www.swansonpeterson.com.

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