Lucy Duitscher

Lucy Duitscher was born March 7, 1922, at Iowa Falls, Iowa, the daughter of William and Ruth Dreier. She received her education at New Providence High School and Iowa State College (1939-1941).

Lucy married Wendell Duitscher of Clarion, Iowa, in 1942 and they established their family on a farm near Clarion. Their marriage produced four children: Wendy Horacek, a CPA in Omaha, Nebraska; Jane Holzer, an RN in Minneapolis, Minnesota; John Duitscher, a production operations supervisor in Lincoln, Illinois; and Nancy Duitscher, an elementary teacher in Casper, Wyoming.

While Lucy's early married life was that of mother and farm wife, she found time to become involved in local area activities with her church and politics. Lucy was widowed in 1968, having lost Wendell to cancer. She continued to manage the family farm following his death.

Lucy was elected to the Iowa legislature, serving as state representative from Wright County in the 63rd General Assembly. She has remained active in the Democratic Party. Lucy is a member of United Methodist Women and Church Women United, serving her church's mission in the local community. She has received the life membership pins for her work with the Clarion and Ames United Methodist Women.

Lucy has given many years of service in support of the needs of the mentally ill. She was involved in the push to get the mentally ill moved from facilities like the county home and integrated into the community. The Alliance for the Mentally Ill of Central Iowa has recognized Lucy for her work on the local and state levels, serving on boards committees and task forces addressing needs of the mentally ill. Lucy has dedicated herself to her family and her community. She continues to follow the 4-H pledge to work towards bettering her community, her country and her world.

2/10/95