Donald Lutes
Donald Lutes, 94, of Gilman, IA passed away Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at Eldora Specialty Care in Eldora, IA surrounded by family. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at the Ferguson Bible Church in Ferguson, IA. Visitation will be 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday, March 9, 2026, at Anderson Funeral Homes in Marshalltown. A luncheon will immediately follow the funeral service in the church fellowship hall. Interment will take place at Prairie View Cemetery in Gilman following lunch. Anderson Funeral Homes has been entrusted with the arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to www.andersonfhs.com.
Donald Mason Lutes, son of Kenneth and Allie (Jones) Lutes, was born on May 23, 1931, in Gilman, Iowa. He attended and graduated from school in Ferguson, Iowa. He was married to Audrey Janice Paul on December 16, 1956, at the Laurel, IA, church. They had four children, Jerry, David, Roger, and Diane, whom they raised on the Lutes Family 150-year Heritage Farm in Gilman. Don served in the Korean War for two years, and after returning home, was actively involved with the Marshalltown Youth for Christ and played trumpet in the community band. He was a long-time member of the Ferguson Bible Church.
Don farmed his whole working life on the family farm, later partnering with his son Roger, and drove a school bus for 30 years. He had a deep-rooted love and faith in God. Don was devoted to his wife of 69 years, his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. His love and support extended to nieces, nephews, and his children’s friends. Don and Audrey had a family of 4 to 12 children during the summers, depending on who was visiting, creating a legacy of love and admiration.
Don’s hobbies were diverse, from being a member of the Gilman Saddle Club to travelling or avidly reading about history and airplanes. He particularly enjoyed family vacations across the US, exploring most of the 50 states. He achieved his biggest dream at 70, earning his pilot’s license and flying his own plane for many years.
He is survived by his wife Audrey, sons David (Mary) Lutes – Topeka, KS, Roger Lutes (Carla Weaver) – Gilman, IA, and daughter Diane (Wayne) Ament – Boone, IA. Grandchildren: Megan (CJ) Carroll, Garrett (Chloe) Ament, Brendan Lutes (Kelly Graham), Aaron Ament (Anna Christenson), Jordan Lutes, Jaimi Lutes, Olivia (Evan) Glow, and Dino Palma. Great-grandchildren: Landon Carroll, Royce Ament, Reese Carroll, and Riggs Ament; brothers and sisters-in-law, and many nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, and sister-in-law, Keith and Bonnie Lutes, his son, Jerry Lutes, and his granddaughters, Erin Lutes and Caitlin Lutes.