Barbara Luetkemeyer

Barbara A. Luetkemeyer, age 87, of Jefferson City, Mo. departed this life on Friday, January 16, 2026, at Villa Marie Nursing Home.

She was born on January 31, 1938, in Concordia, Kansas, the daughter of the late Robert Eugene and Hazel Mary (La Barge) Mullen. On August 20, 1955, Barbara married Herman William Luetkemeyer, who preceded her in death on April 16, 1996. Together they had one son, William J. "Bill" Luetkemeyer, who also preceded her in death on May 15, 2012.

Barbara attended Moreau Heights School, Immaculate Conception Catholic School, and St. Peter Catholic High School. She was a devoted member of St. Martin Catholic Church since 1959, where she helped establish the 50+ Club and Donut Sundays.

She worked for Kroger & Company from 1956 to 1965, then moved on to Schulte's IGA on Missouri Boulevard. When that store closed, she continued working at their Southwest Boulevard location, later renamed Schulte's Fresh Foods. Barbara retired from full-time employment in 2001 and finally from part-time work in 2004.

Barbara later found love again and cherished spending days with her gentleman friend, Bob Snellen, until his passing in 2013. Following his passing, she remained close to his family enjoying time spent playing cards together, attending BBQ's and special holiday events. She loved feeding and watching birds, tending her beautiful flower beds which truly set her home apart, and decorating extensively for Christmas. Barbara was a gracious host during holidays and enjoyed entertaining family and friends. She also loved puzzles, playing cards with friends, and traveling once a month with her best friend Dorothy Johnson. Barbara was proud of her home and relished the opportunity to sit on the porch and watch the world go by or get lost in a good book.

Barbara's warmth, generosity, and love for life will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Barbara is survived by her daughter-in-law, Melissa Luetkemeyer of Jefferson City, along with many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and extended family members.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her sister and brother-in-law, Jim and Mary Nilges.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 23, 2026, at Freeman Mortuary.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 23, 2026, in the Freeman Chapel with Deacon Steve Kliethermes officiating. Private graveside services and interment will be held at St. Martin Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Alzheimer's Association, 225 N Michigan Ave. Floor 17 Chicago, IL 60601 or St. Martin Catholic Church, 7148 Business 50 W, Jefferson City, Missouri 65109.

Funeral arrangements are under the care of Freeman Mortuary.