Emma Arlene Lutringer was born Feb. 13, 1931, in Minatare, to G. George and Julia (Richard) Schnell and passed away Nov. 10, 2025, in Seward, at the age of 94 years, 8 months, and 28 days.
Emma was baptized May 3, 1931, at St. Paul Lutheran Church. She grew up on a farm near Minatare, where she attended country school and junior high. The family later moved near Sidney, where she was confirmed March 25, 1945, at St. Paul Lutheran Church. Emma graduated from Sidney High School with the Class of 1949.
While working as a nurse aide at the local hospital, Emma met Anton “Tony” Lutringer, who had been admitted with pneumonia after returning from the oil fields. The couple were united in marriage on Dec. 21, 1950, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Sidney.
Emma worked as a teller and later as the head bookkeeper at Sidney National Bank until 1969, when the family moved to Seward. There she began a 30-year career at the Concordia Bookstore. She also worked part-time for Cattle Bank and Trust for seven years.
In her free time, Emma loved to cook, bake, and sew, and she was especially known for her delicious, deviled eggs, pies and cookies. Generous with her time, she enjoyed helping friends and neighbors. Emma was a long-time member of St. John Lutheran Church, where she was active in the service groups and served as an officer with the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League at the local, zone, and district levels. She also served on the Camp Luther Board and was a member of Concordia Guild, the Red Hat Society and Stephen Ministries.
Emma was preceded in death by her parents, G. George and Julia Schnell; parents-in-law, Elo and Emilie Lutringer; husband, Anton “Tony” Lutringer; siblings; grandson, Anton Keelin; son-in-law, T. William Keelin; and several nieces and nephews.
Survivors cherishing her memory include her children and their spouses: Alvin and Barb Lutringer of Plainview, Minnesota, Steven and Anita Lutringer of Marshall, Missouri, Julie and Kelly Conner of Seabrook, Texas, Janell and Ron Westimayer of Minocqua, Wisconsin, and Janice Fletcher of Brunswick, Georgia; along with 13 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, and 11 great-great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be Thursday, Nov. 20, from 1 – 6:30 p.m. at Zabka-Perdue Funeral Home with family receiving friends from 4 – 6 p.m. The funeral service will be Friday, Nov. 21, at St. John Lutheran Church with interment at the Seward Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to the church.
Arrangements by Zabka-Perdue Funeral Home.
