Sister Jutta, born Hilda Genevieve Gleichauf on October 11, 1927, in Ironton, Ohio, was the fourth of five children born to Hilda and Carl Gleichauf. Raised in a hardworking household, Jutta and her siblings learned the importance of pitching in. Jutta, in particular, enjoyed mowing the yard! Her love of sports began in high school when she became a cheerleader, inspired by her brothers' participation in football.
In 1951, Jutta entered the Sisters of St. Francis and went on to study at the College of St. Teresa, majoring in education. Her first teaching role was at St. Theodore’s in Albert Lea, where she taught grade school from 1954 to 1959. She later taught business education at Lourdes High School from 1960 to 1966. Jutta continued her career in education as a teacher and principal at Rollingstone High School (1966-1967) and Sacred Heart High School in Waseca (1967-1968).
After obtaining her Master’s degree in Business Administration at Notre Dame University, Jutta worked in various roles: assistant principal and teacher at Norfolk Catholic High School in Norfolk, Nebraska (1969), business manager at Mercy Hospital in Portsmouth, Ohio (1971-1973), and assistant principal and teacher at Notre Dame High School in Portsmouth (1973-1974). Returning to Rochester in 1974, Jutta served as the front office manager at Lourdes High School until her retirement in 1999. In recognition of her service to Lourdes High School, the Sister Jutta Gleichauf Scholarship was established in her honor.
Jutta was known for her sense of humor, often sharing jokes and quick-witted remarks. Her favorite saying was, “Love all, trust few, and paddle your own canoe!” She also loved singing alto in the choir, particularly enjoying the songs written by Cathy Nelson. Jutta had a generous heart and was always ready to lend a helping hand. She was known for her hospitality, hosting friends, playing cards, and taking road trips with her Life Group. A passionate sports fan, she especially enjoyed watching football and hosting Super Bowl parties. She was full of life and often shared her love of simple pleasures—like corn on the cob (“it makes me a little corny”) and, of course, spaghetti. In her final days, she even requested spaghetti and wine be served after her funeral.
Jutta will be remembered for her kindness and ability to connect with everyone she met. Whether it was a Sister, a friend, or a member of the nursing staff, Jutta radiated love and appreciation. She found great joy in visits from others, and in the evenings, she would sit in her rocking chair, quietly praying and giving thanks for her life, her Sisters, and her community.
Reflections inspired by memories shared by Sisters Marilyn Blesius, Sara Ruble, and Kathleen Welscher.