WILBUR G. LUETJE

Wilbur G. Luetje was born November 20, 1921, the son of Juergen H. and Martha Miller Luetje. He died at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, Saturday, February 9, 2008 at the age of eighty-six.

Wilbur was born in Churdan, IA and began his education in a rural school near his home. He was baptized in Christ December 18, 1921, and confirmed on April 14, 1935, at Peace Lutheran Church in Glidden. In 1939, the family moved to Westside where Wilbur completed his education, graduating from the Westside High School with the class of 1939. January 27, 1945, Wilbur was united in marriage to Deloris Kuhse at Zion Lutheran Church in Manning, IA. The couple settled on a farm south of Westside and were blessed with the birth of three children. Wilbur farmed for 45 years before retiring in 1989 when the couple moved to their home in Westside. He continued working at the farm for another 10 years by helping his son.

He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Arcadia, serving as an elder and various offices in the church. Other positions he held include president of the Pruter Plaza Board and was a member of the Westside Community Club. After retirement, he enjoyed golfing, playing cards, attending his grandchildren's sporting events, fishing and watching the St. Louis Cardinals.

Wilbur was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Karl; one brother-in-law Alvin Kuhse; his father-in-law and mother-in-law George and Alma Kuhse; three sisters-in-law, Bernice Mitchell, Lavern Van Dyck and Maxine Kuhse. Survivors include his wife, Deloris of Westside; two daughters, Kay White and her husband, Dennis of Treynor, IA; Sandy Hunter and her husband, Allen of Westside; one son, Jeff and his wife, Dawn also of Westside; eight grandchildren, Jason White and wife, Heidi of Council Bluffs; Matt White and wife, Monica of Treynor; Misty Spooner and husband, Dan of Coon Rapids; Justin Hunter and wife, Holly of Ankeny; Darrin White of Treynor; Erica, Brooke and Cassie Luetje of Westside; five great-grandchildren; Easton and Andan Spooner, Regan and Andrew White and Nathan White; twin brother, Wendell and his wife, Norma of Westside; one sister, Leta Jensen and her husband, Wally of Carroll; one brother-in-law, Glenn Kuhse of San Dumus, CA; and other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, February 13, 2008 at Zion Lutheran Church in Arcadia, IA. Rev. Paul Frank officiated the services and grave side rites held at the Westside Cemetery in Westside, IA. Organist Susan Lamb provided accompaniment for the congregational hymns "Lift High the Cross," "I'm But A Stranger Here," "How Great Thou Art," and "Abide With Me." Those serving as Pallbearers were Justin Hunter, Brooke Luetje, Matt White, Jason White, Misty Spooner, Darrin White, Cassie Luetje, and Erica Luetje. The family invited everyone in attendance to join them for fellowship and lunch served by the Zion Ladies Aid. The Huebner Funeral Home in Westside was in charge of the arrangements.