Frank Lutjens

Frank Lutjens, 80, of Ethan, SD, died Thursday, January 18, 2024 at Ava's House in Sioux Falls. Funeral services will be at 10:30 AM Tuesday, January 23, at Zion Lutheran Church in Mitchell. Burial will be in Servicemen's Memorial Cemetery in Mitchell. Visitation will be Monday from 5-7:00 PM with a 6:30 PM prayer service at the Church. Arrangements by Bittner Funeral Chapel.
Francis "Frank" Donald Lutjens was born April 4, 1943 to Gustav and Alice (Stahnke) Lutjens in Mitchell, SD. Frank attended school in Mitchell, graduating from Mitchell High School in 1961. After high school, Frank attended Springfield College, and later graduated from South Dakota State College with a degree in Wildlife Management.
Frank was united in marriage to Cheryl Stoebner on August 8, 1975.
Frank served in the US Army in West Virginia, and was a welder by trade. He later worked at the Mitchell Police Department for 24 years along with being a patrolman, school resource officer, and DARE instructor. After retiring from the Mitchell Police Department, he continued to work part time at the Davison County Sheriff Department.
Frank is survived by his wife, Cheryl of 48 years; daughters: Kim (Jake) Hayes of Gardner, KS, Kathy Axsom of Mitchell, and Kerri Lutjens (Heath Kurtenbach) of Mitchell; six grandchildren: Kaden, Kobi, Xavier, Emma, Amelia, and Kolt; nephew, Gus (Jodi) Lutjens; and niece, Dawn (Ronnie) Coyle. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law: Daphine Lutjens, Vonda Alexander, Rochelle Edwards, Lila (Fred) Mettler, and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers: Albert John, Kenneth, Gustav, Robert, William, and a still born brother; sisters, Willma and Pamela; and in-laws: Leo and Laura Stoebner, Kenneth (Marlys) Stoebner, Delvis (Jerry) Fenner, Bruce Alexander, and George Edwards.
IN FRANK'S WORDS: "THIS IS NOT GOODBYE, IT'S SEE YOU LATER"