Obituary of Irma Margaret Lucht

February 14, 1920 – Leader, Saskatchewan

December 19, 2022 – Calgary, Alberta

Irma Margaret Lucht passed away in Calgary, AB, on Monday, December 19, 2022, at the age of 102.

Irma was born in Leader, SK, on February 14, 1920. As a teenager, her family moved to MacNutt, SK. Upon completing Normal School, she taught in a one-room school in Saskatchewan, then in a Parochial School in Winnipeg. In the early 1950s she taught English, Mathematics, and Typing/Shorthand at Concordia College in Edmonton, where she was also the Co-Ed Counsellor. When the Director of the International Walther League visited Concordia College, he convinced her to come to Chicago as his personal secretary. At the time, the Walther League brought together 5000 congregations from across Canada and the United States providing worship, education, service, recreation, and fellowship among young people. When the Walther League office was moved to St. Louis, Irma accepted a position in the Newberry Library in Chicago as Director of the periodical department for the Midwest Colleges of America. Upon retirement, she moved to a country house in Wisconsin next to Zion Lutheran Church where her father had been the pastor. At the age of 95, she packed two suitcases and flew to Calgary where she resided in an assisted living apartment until she was admitted to the hospital a month ago due to an infection.

Much loved by family, nieces and nephews travelled from as far away as Louisiana, Montreal, and northern Alberta to be with her during the last week of her life.  Irma’s strong faith was apparent in all areas of her life. She was a faithful member of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML) both in Wisconsin and at Foothills Lutheran Church, Calgary and attended Bible Studies and church services whenever possible. Before her eyesight failed, Irma provided endearing photos of family events. She was a patient caregiver for her parents and her dear friends Fern and Al. She prayed for us constantly. Her non-judgmental, kind, thoughtful, and patient ways will be sorely missed. Some of her last words were, “I’m sorry you have to stay on earth while I get to go to heaven.” 

She is survived by sisters, Lynda Tae of Montreal, QC, and Marilyn Harrison of Calgary, AB; brother-in-law Walter Zwick, sister-in-law Victoria Lucht, and many nieces and nephews. She will be interred next to her parents at Zion Lutheran Church in Wisconsin. Irma was predeceased by her parents, Rev. John Lucht, D.D., and Lynda Tech; and her siblings, Marie Bender, Merceda Schmidt, Esther Lucht, Alfred Lucht, Theodore Lucht, and Lois Zwick.

In living memory of Irma, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-243-8200.