Lorna Lussman, a lifelong resident of Storm Lake, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024, at Accura Healthcare in Aurelia.
Funeral services will take place Monday, Oct. 28, at 10:30 a.m. at St. John Lutheran Church in Storm Lake. Burial will be in Buena Vista Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday, Oct. 27, from 5-7 p.m. at Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. John Lutheran Church in Storm Lake or Main Street Living, a LCMS Television Program.
Lorna was born to Henry and Irene (Ehlers) Gerke on March 16, 1934. She was baptized on March 30, and confirmed her faith in her Savior on March 21, at Zion Lutheran Church where she was a member until 1952. She was a very active member of the Walther League while there.
She married her best friend, Willis Lussman, on Sept. 8, 1952. They were blessed in this union with three children: Wesley, Wanda and Wayne. Their bond of 64 years set an example of faith and love for their family. After their marriage, Lorna joined Willis, who was serving in the army at Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland.
After Willis was honorably discharged, they moved to their farm, near Storm Lake, where they lived their whole life in farming, 34 years were spent in Grade A dairy operation. After semi-retirement, she was employed by Walmart for 12 years. Their retirement years were spent traveling, especially enjoying their trip to Germany. They attended many antique and threshing shows throughout the United States, meeting many great friends. Very much enjoyed were the trips to Florida, etc., with Carol and Bernard Peterson.
Lorna was a faithful member of St. John Lutheran Church in Storm Lake since 1953, enjoying membership in the LWML and Christian Fellowship. She was a Sunday School teacher while her children were young.
Lorna loved attending dances and playing cards. Most of all, she cherished the time spent with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, along with her extended families in the church.
Survivors include children: Wesley (Jean) Lussman of LaBelle, Fla.; Wanda Cady of Albert City; and Wayne (Rita) Lussman of Fort Dodge; grandchildren: Mason (Stephanie) Cady of Spencer; Melinda (Douglas) Moore of Edmond, Okla.; James (special friend Lisa) Lussman of Woodinville, Wash.; and great-grandchildren: Aiden, Brynlee, Ethan, Landon, Charlotte, Jaxsen and Ava; sister-in-law Arta (Dr. John) Harman of Corydon.
Preceding her in death was her loving husband, Willis; parents, Henry and Irene Gerke; sisters: Loraine (Darvin) Harth and Neoma (Eldo) Bartels; parents-in-law, Edward and Anna Lussman; and brothers-in-law, Harold (Esther) Lussman and Darwin “Dusty” (Joanne) Lussman.