July 23, 1932 – April 4, 2026
Lois Ann Dutcher, 93, of Manly, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at Heritage Care Center in Mason City, IA.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 428 W. Walnut St, Manly, IA. Visitation will be held the evening prior, Friday, April 10, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Bride Colonial Chapel, 110 E. Spring St, Manly, IA. Burial will take place at St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery (Rock Township), following a luncheon and time of fellowship.
Lois was born July 23, 1932, on the family farm in Newburg Township, daughter of Leo and Anna (Bethke) Hartwig. She was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Rock Township. Following her 8th grade graduation from Newburg #5 in Newburg Township, she remained on the farm working alongside her parents.
Lois Hartwig was united in marriage to Lee Dutcher on September 7, 1958, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Rock Township. Together, they made their home in Manly, IA, where they built a life centered on family, raising two daughters and sharing 54 years together. She and Lee enjoyed dancing, fishing, gardening, and playing 500.
Lois, a homemaker, was always there for her family, including being the primary caregiver for Lee and several other relatives. She also gave her time generously to her church and community. She was an active member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Manly, IA, serving in many roles over the years. She belonged to the Lydia Circle, helped plan guest nights and Christmas programs as part of the Mission Outreach Committee, served on the WELCA board, taught Bible School and Sunday School including time as superintendent, and shared her love of music as both a children’s choir director and adult choir member. She also was involved with Booster Club and as a Girl Scout leader.
In her younger years, she played Hawaiian guitar and yodeled as part of two dance bands. Lois loved spending time outdoors especially tending to her flowers and many roses, keeping up her yard, feeding her birds, and watching them from the patio. She liked cheering for the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Minnesota Twins. Most of all, she loved spending time with family. She enjoyed attending her children’s and grandchildren’s many activities and loved playing Sevens at every holiday gathering.
Grateful for having shared in her life are her daughters, Rhonda (Bruce) Bonestroo and Leanne Christian; her grandchildren, Matthew (Rebecca) Bonestroo, Jeremy (Deidre) Christian, and Hannah Bonestroo; and her great-grandsons, Beau and Leo Bonestroo. Also surviving are her brother-in-law, Donald Petznick, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Lee Dutcher; her parents, Leo and Anna Hartwig; her parents-in-law, Lloyd and Alma Dutcher; her sisters, Jeannette (William) Neuman and Lucille (William) Scharper; her son-in-law Jon Christian, her brother-in-law, Wayne (Dorla) Dutcher; and sister-in-law, Virgina Petznick.
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