Iva Ann Lutjen

Iva Ann Lutjen, age 75, joined our Lord on August 25, 2010.

Ann lived in Merriam, Kansas, and was born in 1934 in St. Charles, Virginia, to Starling and Kate West.

Ann was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary for over 44 years and held numerous offices in the Second District and in the Department of Kansas including Past President and Department President from 1997-1998. Ann was a member of the Lenexa Post 400, the Kansas Historical Society, Phi Tau Omega Sorority and Hope Lutheran Church. Ann volunteered at the VA Hospital in Leavenworth and established a clothing room and enjoyed watching it grow into an entire house of operation. In July of this year Ann was recognized for her efforts when the house was dedicated to Ann and was renamed "Annies's Closet."

Ann was preceded in death by her husband, Alvin Lutjen, and her parents. Ann leaves behind two sisters, Evelyn Rhodes (Ed), Bowden, West Virginia and Jean DeSeure, Kansas City, Kansas. She also leaves behind 5 nieces and 6 nephews and the love of many great nieces, nephews and her American Legion family and friends.

Ann requested no flowers but donations instead to:

Leavenworth Veterans Voluntary Services

Attn: Annie's Closet or Gift Shop

4101 S. 4th Street

Leavenworth, Kansas 66048-5014

or

Sunflower Health Care/Hospice

7398 W. 162nd Terrace

Stilwell, Kansas 66085

Visitation and Funeral Service

Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday, September 2, 2010, at the Amos Family Chapel of Shawnee. Funeral service will be 10 a.m., Friday, September 3, 2010, at Hope Lutheran Church, 6308 Quivira Road, Shawnee, Kansas 66203.