AUDREY JANE RUTZ
Audrey Jane (Benjamin) Rutz, 88, passed away peacefully on May 16, 2026. A faithful, God-fearing woman with a servant’s spirit, Audrey devoted her life to her faith, her family, and her community. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 23, 2026. at 10:30 AM at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Livermore. Services will be livestreamed via Lentz Funeral Home’s website https://www.hdezwebcast.com/show/audrey-jane-rutz. Interment will take place at St. Olaf Cemetery in Bode. Visitation will be held on Friday, May 22, 2026, from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Livermore. Services have been entrusted to Lentz Funeral Home of Livermore. Online condolences may be left at www.lentzfuneralhome.com.
Audrey was born on April 24, 1938, to Fred and Beulah Benjamin. She graduated from Bradgate High School in 1956, where she excelled in basketball and developed a lifelong love for the game. Her talent on the court continued as she attended Dana College for one year, playing basketball there as well.
She was confirmed at Rutland Trinity Church, where her strong faith began shaping the life she would lead. On May 24, 1959, Audrey married the love of her life, Don Rutz, at the same church outside of Rutland, Iowa. Together they built a life on the family farm south of Livermore, where hard work, faith and family were part of everyday life.
Audrey and Don were blessed with three sons: Jeff of Livermore; Pastor John and Julie of Creston; and Joel and Susan of Humboldt. She helped raise her family on the farm and took pride in maintaining the home, preparing meals, helping raise livestock, and supporting the daily work that farm life brought.
Audrey was also a longtime member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, where she remained active and faithful throughout her life.
She was active in ladies aid and quilting through the church and was always willing to lend a helping hand wherever needed. Audrey also enjoyed spending time in her garden and mowing. Throughout her life, she worked in roles including as a switchboard operator and as a waitress at local restaurants, where her warm smile and dependable nature left lasting impressions on those she served.
Audrey is survived by her children; grandchildren Justin (Kelsey) of North Liberty, Kelsey (Michael) Washburn of Sioux City, Molly (John) Knosp of Fremont, Nebraska, Jeremy of Grimes, Jacob of Creston, Jenica (Kyle) Bergemann of Dakota City, Trè (McKenna) of Van Meter, and Tyler (Andee) of Humboldt; and great-grandchildren Caleb, Grace, Hazel, Lillie, Addison, Violet, Jade, Nash, Barrett, and Bo.
She is also survived by her siblings Arlene, Richard (Connie), and Gerald “Jeb” (Delores) Benjamin; brothers- and sisters-in-law Norm Rutz, Denny and Helen Knutson, Karen Jacobson, Linn DeWinter, Russ and Carol Christensen, and Chantel Benjamin; along with many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Don Rutz; her parents, Fred and Beulah Benjamin; her parents-in-law, Harry and Florence Rutz; brothers Roger, Stanley “Butch,” and Darrell Benjamin; sisters-in-law Marian and Merna Benjamin; brothers- and sisters-in-law Vernon “Butch” Rutz, Audrey Christensen, Roger Benjamin, Darrell Jones, Suzie Rutz, and Don DeWinter.
More than anything, Audrey will be remembered for her unwavering faith and steady strength. She embodied the heart of a farm wife — resilient, humble, dependable, and strong through every season of life. Whether in the home, the fields, or her community, Audrey’s quiet strength and servant’s heart left a lasting legacy that will continue for generations.
