Mary Jane Guthmiller left behind her weary earthly body and received her heavenly reward on Monday, August 10, 2015, after an 84 year life of service to her family and to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.Mary was born on May 13, 1931 in Tripp, South Dakota to Sam and Ruby Schmidt, who adored her, and raised Mary, her sister Maydean, and brother Marty in a loving family.
While Mary attended Tripp High School, she met the love of her life, Albert Guthmiller, who asked her to marry him in 1952 after a seven year courtship. They embarked on their journey, and during their 55 years together in this world, found the joy of having three children – Kim, Mike, and Tami. They enjoyed many good times as a family, whether it was popping popcorn and watching TV together at home, camping on vacation, or enjoying their family’s special recipes around the dinner table. Mary took after her mother with the thought that a recipe was always a work in progress, with maybe a touch more sugar next time, or a little bit more salt.
Albert entered the ministry after college, while Mary obtained a teaching credential in Bookings, South Dakota. Mary learned to multitask when she taught eight grades in a one-room schoolhouse in Tripp. Together Al and Mary went on to serve churches in Sheboygan, Wisconsin; Garner, Iowa; Faribault, Minnesota; and finally Zion Reformed Church of Lodi, where they served our community together for 16 years. Al’s devotion to the pastoral needs of the congregation was more than matched by Mary’s attention to the children of the church, and many Lodi families will recall that their children loved Sunday school more than regular school because Mary made it so very fun. She was a pioneer in special needs ministry, helping children with learning disabilities to learn to love Jesus as much as she did.
Mary is survived by her brother Martyn Schmidt of Baxter, Minnesota, son Michael Guthmiller of Galt, and daughters Kim Anamizu of Woodbridge and Tamara Petrick of Lodi. “Nana” (as she was affectionately known by those who loved her) was blessed with six grandchildren--Benjamin Petrick, Zachary Anamizu, Katey Anamizu, Allyson Lorenz, Amy Rash, and Amanda Guthmiller, and two great-grandchildren. She is now reunited in heaven with her beloved husband Albert, her dear sister Maydean, and her mother and father, Ruby and Samuel Schmidt.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to a designated fund at First Baptist Church for “Learning to Hope,” which provides educational services for children in India, or the charity of the donor’s choice.
Please add your condolences in the comments below.
VISITATION
A Visitation will be held on Friday, August 14, 2015 from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Cherokee Funeral Home, 831 Industrial Way, Lodi, CA.
SERVICES
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, August 15, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at The First Baptist Church of Lodi, 267 N. Mills Avenue, Lodi, CA.