Luetta Susan Schwery was born November 23, 1932, to Anthony J. and Anna (Kloewer) Klein on a farm near Harlan, the fourth of seven children. She was baptized in St. Boniface Church in Westphalia and made her first communion and was confirmed at St. Michael’s Church in Harlan.
She went to elementary school in Kirkman until she moved with her family to a farm near Manilla when she was in the seventh grade. She graduated from Manilla High School in 1950 and entered nurses training at Mercy Hospital School of Nursing in Council Bluffs. She graduated in 1953 and was awarded her RN degree after successfully passing her State Board Exams.
She was employed at Mercy Hospital in Council Bluffs until her marriage to Michael Schwery on January 26, 1955, at Sacred Heart Church in Manilla. They made their home on a farm near Panama. To this union ten children were born: Mark, Laura, Neil, Diane, David, Denise, Lisa, Kathy, Karen, and Paul.
She continued to work part time at Myrtue Memorial Hospital and Little Flower Haven Nursing Home in Earling while caring for her family. She was a member of St. Mary’s Church of the Assumption in Panama, St. Mary’s Choir and Altar Society as well as the Panama Community Chorus. She also served on the Parish Council and the Panama Community Club as well as the Sewing Circle and American Legion Auxiliary (over 50 year member).
In 1984 she returned to school to obtain her bachelor’s degree in nursing attending classes at Bellevue University and Clarkson College in Omaha. In 1989, she graduated Summa Cum Laude and subsequently worked in Home and Public Health, first in Crawford County and then in Shelby County.
Michael passed away in 1986 following a lengthy illness after 31 years of marriage. Lu continued to live on the farm until 1992 when she purchased a home in Harlan and became a member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church. After her retirement in 1997, she returned to school and took classes through Iowa State University Extension to obtain her Master Gardener Certification.
Lu enjoyed her flowers, handwork, quilting, and playing cards (500). Her greatest joys have been her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.
She passed away on Friday, April 3, 2026, surrounded by her family at Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan, attaining the age of ninety-three years, four months, and eleven days. In addition to her parents and husband, Mike, she was preceded in death by her brother Clifford Klein and sister Evelyn Burkhart.
She is survived by her children, Mark (Connie) Schwery, Laura (Richard) Branstetter, Neil (Mary) Schwery, Diane (Jim) Arkfeld, David (Pat) Schwery, Denise (Steve) Krohn, Lisa (Rich) McDermott, Kathy (Roger) Lee, Karen (Dale) Muell, Paul (Joi) Schwery; 30 grandchildren; 27 great grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild; siblings, Anthony Klein, Jr., Marie O’Gorman, Verla Kramer, Judith (Gary) VanAernam; nieces and nephews; other family members and friends.
Mass of Christian Burial for 93 year old Luetta Schwery of Harlan will be held April 7th at 10 AM at St. Mary’s of the Assumption Church in Panama. Visitation will be held April 6th from 4 to 7 PM at St. Mary’s Parish Center in Panama. Burial will be held at St. Mary’s Cemetery.
The Pauley Jones Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
