Funeral services for Mary K. Lutter, 72, of Chamberlain, SD were held at 10 a.m. Thursday, April 2, 2026 at St. Margaret’s Catholic Church in Kimball, SD. Visitation and a rosary began one hour prior to the funeral on Thursday. Burial will be at a later date.
Mary Katherine Kollman was born on October 28, 1953, in St. Cloud, Minnesota, to Francis G. and Virginia G. (Berger) Kollman. She completed both her elementary and secondary education in St. Cloud before relocating to Mitchell, South Dakota, where she attended Dakota Wesleyan University and earned a degree in accounting. In Mitchell, she met Deneil Lutter, and they were married on August 26, 1978.
The couple lived in Mitchell for several years, then relocated to Yankton, where Mary worked as an accountant at Gurney’s Seed. Over the years, they moved to various cities—including Creston, Iowa; Peculiar, Missouri; Florida; Alabama; and Beloit, Kansas—and eventually returned to South Dakota to be closer to family. With each move, Mary continued her work in accounting until health issues led to her retirement.
During their time in Iowa, Deneil served as the Knights of Columbus State Deputy, with Mary playing a significant role in supporting his responsibilities. In her younger years, Mary was employed by a bridal shop, specializing in wedding dress creation and alterations, reflecting her passion for sewing and crafts.
Mary and Deneil’s passion for their church was what was their guiding force behind helping young couples in their journey to marriage as a Marriage Sponsor Couple and quite often couples would ask for them specifically.
Mary passed away on March 28, 2026 at Sanford Medical Center in Chamberlain. Gratefully sharing her life are her sister Judy (Gary) Hokkanen of Fort Wayne, IN, her brothers and sisters-in-law Lloyd (Jerri) Lutter of Gann Valley, SD, Tim (Janet Rae) Lutter of Kimball, SD, Lauree (Don) Scott of Kimball, SD, and Jim Lutter of Gann Valley, SD, Donna Lutter of Tucson, AZ, Janet Kay Lutter of Beresford, SD, and many nieces and nephews.
Preceding her in death were her husband Deneil on May 1, 2025, her parents, sisters Donna Van Heel and Ruth Kollman, two brothers-in-law Bernard Jerome “Butch” and Kerry, sister-in-law Cindy Lutter, and a niece Christi Laverack.