Mary A. Lutz, 82 of Arcadia, died Tuesday, July 7, 2026 at CHI Health— Good Samaritan in Kearney. Cremation has been held. Mass of Christian Burial was held on Wednesday, July 15, 2026 at St. Josaphat’s Catholic Church in Loup City. Father Richard Piontkowski celebrated the Mass.

Lectors included Lisa Benton and Cindy Gabriel.

Musicians were Amy Kowalski and John and Jane Maschka.

Beth Toczek was the Eucharistic minister.

Mary’s nieces and nephews were the gift bearers.

Honorary bearers included Kevin Toczek, Nick Toczek, J.J. Toczek, B.J. Toczek, Bill Staab, Jack VanSlyke, Jim Trotter, and Jess Trotter.

Private burial of the ashes was in the Arcadia City Cemetery in Arcadia.

Mary Ann (Toczek) Lutz was born March 13, 1944 at Loup City, to Joseph and Helen (Augustyn) Toczek. She attended parochial school and Loup City High School. She attended Joseph’s College of Beauty. She married James (Jim) R. Lutz on September 14, 1963 at St. Josaphat’s Catholic Church in Loup City. Mary resided on the farm east of Arcadia until March, 2026. She helped Jim on the farm with cattle and hogs. Mary loved the baby calves in the spring and always worried about rain for the crops.

Mary traveled with Jim to the mountains and the East Coast. She kept tabs on the grandkids as best as she could. Mary also enjoyed a good garage sale or thrift shop.

Mary enjoyed watching Husker volleyball and football and old westerns late at night. She enjoyed newspapers and always kept up on the local happenings.

Mary moved to St. John’s Care Home in Kearney in March, 2026. She missed the farm and Arcadia the last few months.

Mary is survived by her children, James A. (Jim) Lutz of Kearney; Karrie (Andrew) Simmons of Marquette; Jeff Lutz of Arcadia; and Konni (Dustin Oliver) of Grand Island; grandchildren, Jacob Simmons of Central City; Dr. Emily Simmons of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; and Sarah (Braeden) Corman of Osceola; brother, Mike Toczek; sisters, Lorraine Toczek, Alicia Toczek, and Helen (Bruce) Ohme; and sister-in-law, Dotti Toczek.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph Sr. and Helen; husband, Jim (March, 2024); brother, Joseph Toczek, Jr.; and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Carol and Alberta Lutz.

The Sherman County Times | July 15, 2026