Jarlath M. Schutt

Oct. 2, 1928 – Feb. 16, 2023

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Jarlath M. (Wiedenman) Schutt was born Oct. 2, 1928, in Iroquois, South Dakota, to Margaret (McDermott) and Harry Wiedenman. She passed away Feb. 16, 2023 in Geneva, at age 94.  

Jarlath attended school in Iroquois and later Eagle Grove, Iowa, where her family moved in 1934. From 1942-1945, Jarlath and her family lived in Des Moines, where she attended her freshman, sophomore and junior years of high school. Her family then returned to Eagle Grove, where she graduated from Eagle Grove High School in 1946. Following high school, Jarlath attended Eagle Grove Junior College, where she earned her teaching certificate. She later earned a degree from Drake University in Des Moines. Jarlath taught for 36 years in rural schools in both Wright and Hamilton counties, as well as in the Williams Independent and Northeast Hamilton (Blairsburg) school districts. Her motto in teaching was to be “firm, fair and friendly,” advice she passed on to her daughter when she, too, became a teacher.  

On July 3, 1949, Jarlath married Wilbur F. Schutt. They had one daughter, Kathleen, and farmed in the Blairsburg and Woolstock, Iowa, areas until Wilbur’s passing in 1989. Jarlath remained on the family farm until 2004, when she moved to Webster City, Iowa. In 2016, Jarlath moved to Geneva, where she enjoyed her book club and time with her family. She spent countless hours reading books to and playing games with her great-grandsons. She never missed a family birthday party and attended as many games and concerts as she was able, even getting to see her great-grandson hit his first home run. She also enjoyed attending the games, recitals and birthday parties for her “bonus” great-grandchildren, Brooks, Blakely and Quinn Hoarty and Sloan and Connor Lovegrove. 

Jarlath loved playing cribbage and taught her great-grandsons the game. She was also a voracious reader, often reading three books a week. Jarlath shared her love of reading by gifting thoughtfully chosen books to the children in her immediate and extended family. An accomplished traveler, she was proud of the fact that she visited all 50 states. Jarlath was well known for her sweet tooth and considered dessert to be the most important part of the meal. 

Jarlath was a member of Vernon Lutheran Church in Dows, Iowa, where she served on Ladies Aid, and, later, Trinity Lutheran Church in Webster City, where she was a member of Ruth Circle. She was a lifetime member of NEA-ISEA and was active in the Women’s Club of Webster City, Woolstock Sr. Citizens, Red Hat Mamas of Clarion, “B” Neighborly Club and Farm Bureau. 

She is preceded in death by her husband of 39 years, Wilbur, parents, and in-laws. 

She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Kathleen and George Erdkamp; grandson, Adam (Becky) Erdkamp; and great-grandsons, Deacon and Axel Erdkamp, all of Exeter, as well as an extended network of beloved cousins and friends.    

A Christian memorial service for Jarlath was Feb. 24 at St. Stephen Catholic Church in Exeter with Father Brendan Kelly presiding. Agnes Anderson was the organist and Karen Filipi was the vocalist. They accompanied the congregation in the singing of “Amazing Grace” and “How Great Thou Art” and Karen sang the solo “Be Thou My Vision.”  

Honorary pallbearers were Jon Anderson, Rick Lee, Glen Lee, Russ Stark, John Heiden, Roger Heiden, Matt Schutt, Alan Greiner, Roger Burkhart, Jim Lovegrove and Andy Schutt. 

It was Jarlath's wish to be cremated. Her ashes will be placed next to her husband, Wilbur, in the Evergreen Cemetery in Clarion, Iowa, at a later date. Memorial contributions are suggested to the family for later designation. Arrangements by Farmer & Son Funeral Home.