Majorie Luttig

Many characteristics make up the lives of many great people, but those derived from the heart are the qualities that leave a forever imprint on the hearts of others. Selfless and fun-loving, Marjorie Luttig was strong of heart and very supportive of those she held dear. She placed the needs of others before her own, and was equally as loving. In as much as she gave, Marjorie was loved abundantly and cherished in the hearts of many.

By 1932, America's economy continued to deteriorate as a result of the Great Depression. Unemployment increased to just over 24 percent with an astounding 13 million out of work. Many struggled to keep their families fed, a roof over their heads, and a dime in their pockets. Even so, the entertainment industry grew by leaps and bounds and was a welcome deviation from everyday worries. Nestled in the village of Pewamo, Michigan, , the year offered hope and promise for Martin and Elizabeth (Pohl) Cook as they celebrated the birth of their little girl, Marjorie Rose, born on February 8, 1932.

The fifth of eventually seven children, Marjorie filled her time playing with her sisters and cousins. She was a quiet child, but was very energetic and always busy. Although quite poor, her family shared a close bond. They moved often while working on various farms throughout her childhood just to make ends meet. From her earliest years, Marjorie was taught a strong work ethic which served her well. Times were indeed a struggle, and everyone in her family pitched in and did their part.

Marjorie attended the Pewamo and St. Johns area schools before graduating from Rodney B. Wilson High School in St. Johns. In 1950, she met Andrew Luttig, the young man who would come to hold her heart for the rest of her days. They dated off and on for the next six months before he left to serve in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.

While Andrew was home on leave one weekend, he stopped to get a newspaper at a small store in Fowler. Marjorie, who happened to be sitting in a car parked just outside the store, saw Andrew in uniform which prompted her to take a second look. Quite handsome, a spark ignited in her heart that she hadn't quite felt before. The feeling was mutual, and they again began dating, even while he was in the service. Soon their love blossomed and following Andrew's honorable discharge, the couple was happily married on June 13, 1953.

Marjorie made a good home for Andrew and in time, their four children, Terry, Kathy, Ellen, and Larry. She loved being a mother, and having lost four infant children, her family was the most important part of her life. An excellent cook, she knew her way around the kitchen and loved baking for her family, too. She was also a talented seamstress and loved to garden. It was important for Marjorie to teach her girls how to run a good home. She taught them all about cooking, cleaning, doing laundry, and how to sew. Even though it may not always have been appreciated during their youth, they each came to value their mother's example and guidance.

Marjorie was involved in the lives of her children, whether it was school or extra activities. She served as a Cub Scout leader and as a 4-H leader. Along with raising her children, Margie worked outside the home with the Treasury Department for the State of Michigan for 20 years prior to retiring. But the hard worker that she was and with her endless energy, Marjorie went on to serve as the Dallas Township Clerk for over 20 years before once again retiring. Devout to her Catholic faith, Marjorie was a faithful member of Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church and the Christian Mothers.

With her adventurous spirit, Marjorie liked having fun and was a good dancer. When she and Andrew purchased their cottage on Rose Lake in Osceola County, Michigan, she enjoyed great times with the kids swimming, fishing, waterskiing, and tubing. As a family, many campfires were enjoyed together, and with her camera at the ready, Marjorie was always one to take a lot of pictures which are now treasured mementos.

Even after her children grew up and had families of their own, they always stayed close to home. When grandchildren came into her life, Marjorie was equally blessed they all lived nearby. She was a loving and attentive grandmother, and had a way of making them each feel special.

Andrew and Marjorie enjoyed frequent road trips just to get outside and to see the sights around the state. They also traveled on longer trips to destinations such as Europe, Hawaii, and Alaska which made for memorable times.

Even into her later years, though she suffered from Alzheimer’s Disease, Marjorie still remained very active and was constantly busy. Andrew lovingly took care of his beloved Marjorie, meeting her every need until she eventually had to move into Rosewood Adult Foster Care in DeWitt, Michigan. Alzheimer’s may have robbed Marjorie of her memory, but her spirit and energy for life remained ever strong.

Loving, supportive and with ways all her own, Marjorie Luttig leaves behind a legacy filled with fond memories. Deeply missed, she will be long remembered in the lives of those she loved and touched.

Marjorie Rose Luttig died on Tuesday, February 18, 2014 at the age of 82. She is survived by her husband of over 60 years, Andrew Luttig. Also surviving are her children: Terry (Eileen), Kathy (Bill) Feldpausch, Ellen, Larry (Michele); her grandchildren: Rebecca (Mike) Hafner, Benjamin (Elise) Feldpausch, Emily (Josh) Feldpausch, Eric Luttig, Amanda (Adam) Luttig; great-grandson: Mason Hafner; her brothers, Bruno (Mary Ann) Cook, Raymond Cook; sister-in-law, Jeannine Cook; many cousins, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; four infant children; brothers, Robert and Richard; sisters Mildred LaPonsie and Lillie Zimmer; and brother-in-law, Bob Zimmer.

The Mass of Christian burial will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, February 21, 2014 at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church with Fr. Dennis Howard presiding. Burial to follow at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Thursday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. with a Rosary being prayed at 3:00 p.m. and a vigil prayed at 8:00 p.m. at the Goerge Chapel of Osgood Funeral Homes, 11112 W. Ionia St., Fowler, MI.

A special thank you to the staff at Rosewood AFC of Dewitt for their love and excellent care for our mom. Also, thank you to Hometown Health & Hospice for their excellent care and compassion. Those wishing to make contributions in Marge's memory may do so to Dallas Township Fire and Rescue. To learn more about Marjorie and view her Life Story film, please visit her personal webpage at www.lifestorynet.com/memories/97483. The family is being served by the Osgood Funeral Homes