Lena Gutenkauf
December 25, 1914 ~ August 11, 2010
Lena Gutenkauf, 95, of Faulkton and formerly of Onaka, entered into eternal life on Wednesday, August 11, 2010 at the Faulkton Area Medical Center.
Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, August 16, 2010 at St. Boniface Catholic Church, Seneca with Father Joji Itukulapati officiating. Burial followed at St. Boniface Cemetery, Seneca. Visitation began at 6:00 p.m., Sunday, August 15, 2010 followed by a 7:00 p.m. wake service at the church.
Magdalena was born on December 25, 1914, to Benedict and Agnes (Kraft) Waldman at Hague, ND. Her mother delivered her while the family was attending midnight mass on Christmas Eve. She was the youngest daughter of 14 children. She received the sacrament of baptism at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Hague, ND. At the age of 3, her family moved to a farm near Onaka, SD, where she later attended rural school. She received First Eucharist and Confirmation at St. John the Baptist Church in Onaka, SD. After her father passed away, she worked a variety of different jobs from housekeeping to livestock care. The most significant job was working for Ray and Mary Schoeberl, where she met her future husband.
On October, 18, 1937, she was united in marriage to Harold Gutenkauf at St. John the Baptist in Onaka. From this union, one daughter and two sons were born. Together they shared 63 years of marriage.
In 1943, they purchased a farm north of Seneca, where they farmed and raised their family. She was an active member of St. Boniface parish, taking part in Altar Society and the Catholic Daughters of Faulkton. For many years she prepared children for their 1st communion. Lena enjoyed visiting friends, dancing, gardening, playing cards, camping, and cooking. Lena always showed great hospitality to everyone who visited her. She loved hosting family get-togethers and entertaining friends. She was deeply committed to her faith, family and friends.
Her survivors include her daughter, Sister Darlene Gutenkauf, PBVM of Aberdeen; sons: Arnold (Donna Jean) Gutenkauf of Pierre, and Dale (Jean) Gutenkauf of Onaka; 5 grandchildren: Jeff (Carrie) Gutenkauf, Chad (Anne) Gutenkauf, Vicki (Chad) Bent, Michael (Susan) Gutenkauf, and John Gutenkauf; and 12 great-grandchildren: Sydney, Erik, Keeli, Maxwell, Chloe, Jude, Abbey, Breck, Mary Elizabeth, Rose, Paul, and Lucia.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; 13 brothers and sisters; and one grandson, Shane.
In lieu of flowers, memorial can be directed to St. Boniface Cemetery, 504 Linn Street, Seneca, SD 57473.
Luce Funeral Home of Faulkton has been entrusted with Lena’s arrangements.
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So, sorry to hear about the loss of such a wonderful woman, Lena. She was a special lady, such a kind heart. She definitely left a legacy of love. May God be with your family during this time. We are thinking of you John and your family.
I always enjoyed visiting with your mother.
Our sympathies on the loss of your mother and grandmother. She was a very fortunate lady who lived a long life with a loving, caring family.
Rest in peace Lena. Her grandfather Andreas and my great grandfather Georg Waldmann were brothers She shared with her daughter much information about her family.
Should anyone be interested contact me as I have much information about the Waldmann family tree.
Hi John, Mike and Susan, Vickie (Keeli) and Donna Jean and Sr. Darlene:
My condolences and prayers on the passing of your (great)grandma and Mother in law and Mother.
She seems like a wonderful woman and i hope that she finds her eternal rest and peace in heaven so very soon!
Fr Bob
My sympathy to all of you, Lena’s family. She was a very sweet lady. God Bless each of you. Pat Rausch