Janese Lutgen

Janese A. Lutgen, 78, of Grand Junction, CO passed away Monday, May 12, 2025. She was surrounded by her family who cared for, loved, and walked her final journey with her.

Janese was born December 16, 1946 to Paul and Maxine Heinen in Beloit, KS. She grew up and graduated from high school in Beloit. She then graduated from Marymount College in Salina, KS with a degree in Education.

Over her lifetime, Janese taught school in Missouri, Nebraska, and Colorado. Janese met her husband, Steve in second grade. They became lifelong friends and soulmates. Steve and Janese were married August 10, 1968. They were blessed with three children: Ryan, Sara, and Jessica. After raising their beautiful family, Steve and Janese enjoyed traveling in their retirement years.

Janese will be remembered for her abounding love and to her faith and family. She was a loving wife, caring mother, supportive sister, beloved daughter and loyal friend. She enjoyed reading a good book, playing cards or games, and was an avid, competitive Pickle-ball player. She had an infectious laugh that would light up any room and a smile that was contagious.

Janese was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Maxine Heinen, and her sister, Carol.

Janese leaves behind her husband Steve of Grand Junction, her children, Ryan (Rebecca) Lutgen of Greeley, CO, Sara (Patrick) of Wellington, CO, and Jessica (Joe) Maurer of Aurora, CO. She also leaves behind her four grandsons: Caleb and Kyle Lutgen, and Jackson and James Maurer, her siblings; sisters: Paulette Schaller, Pat (Patricia) Heinen, Diane O’Neill, and brother, Joe Heinen.

Services will begin with a rosary at 6:30pm on Friday, June 20, 2025 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Fruita, CO.

The Mass of Christian burial, also at Sacred Heart, will be Saturday, June 21, 2025 at 10:30am followed by a luncheon at noon in the Parish Hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested for Masses.