Myrna Jeannette Luehmann

Myrna Jeannette Luehmann, whose life was filled with unwavering faith, boundless love for her family and friends, and a passionate commitment to education, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 15th, 2025, at the age of 77. She was at home, surrounded by her loving family, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Born on June 25, 1947, in LaCrosse, Wisconsin, to Lloyd and Alice (Klinski) Schauble, Myrna's early life was shaped by the strong foundations of faith and learning. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church, a small country church in rural Caledonia, MN. Recognizing the profound importance of education, her parents sent a 14-year-old Myrna to board with teachers so she could attend Luther High School in Onalaska, WI, where she graduated in 1965. Her pursuit of knowledge continued at Dr. Martin Luther College in New Ulm, MN, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Education in 1969. Myrna began her long teaching career in Peshtigo, WI, in a unique one-room schoolhouse where she taught all grades from kindergarten through eighth. She cherished and maintained close connections with her dear high school, college and teacher friends.
On June 12, 1970, Myrna married Dennis Luehmann, and together they built their life on the family farm in Lewiston, MN, becoming active members of Saint John's Evangelical Lutheran Church. Dennis passed away unexpectedly in September 1977 from a heart attack while Myrna was teaching at Silo Lutheran School. During this difficult time, Myrna often credited her profound faith, along with the unwavering support of her family and friends, for carrying her through.
Myrna went on to teach at St. John's Lutheran School, in Lewiston, MN, where she poured her heart into her students and community. She joyfully helped with the annual Christmas Eve program, led multiple school operettas, played the organ for services, and relished the camaraderie of her fellow teachers.
Driven by a continuous thirst for learning and a desire to make a broader impact, Myrna returned to school after her children went off to college. She earned her principal's license from Winona State University and a master's degree in educational leadership. Her dedication led her to become the curriculum director for the Fillmore Central Schools, and later, the Principal, where one of her most cherished accomplishments was starting a school daycare for the community. In 2001, she became the Superintendent of the Fillmore Central School district after pursuing additional education at Mankato State University. She was a part of a small group of women who were among the first female superintendents in the state of Minnesota.
After a memorable career in education, Myrna retired in 2011 and moved to Northfield to be closer to her family. She quickly became an active and cherished member of Bethel Lutheran Church, where her love for service filled her days. She dedicated her time to the library committee, worked in the library on Sundays and during Wednesday night youth programming, and for many years, led the Friday morning Women of the Word (WOW) bible study via Zoom. Myrna was also a compassionate member of Bethel's Befriender program, tirelessly calling and caring for those in need of prayer and love, up until just a month before her passing. Her dear friends at Bethel brought immense joy and laughter into her life.
Beyond her church community, Myrna was a long-time member of the Alpha Delta Kappa teacher society, contributed to providing meals for the Northfield Key, was a member of multiple book clubs and bible studies and served as a former president of the Northfield American Association of University Women (AAUW). Even with all her commitments, she always made time for what truly brought her joy: having coffee with friends, talking with neighbors and cheering on her grandchildren in all their activities, especially catching their athletic games in person or online.
Myrna's legacy of faith, resilience, and dedication will be deeply missed by all who knew her. She reminded us often to take care of each other, be kind to everyone and love the Lord! She is survived by her children: Lonnie (Maria Bond) of Plymouth, Heidi (Andy) Jaynes of Dundas, and Vicki of Jordan; her grandchildren: Matthias, Magdalena, and Markos Luehmann; Sydney and Teagan Jaynes; and Luke and Savannah Borowicz. She also leaves behind her siblings, Cheryl (Terry) Thienes of Onalaska, Wisconsin, and Wayne (Maureen) Schauble of Winona, along with many other cherished friends.
A celebration of Myrna's life will be held at 3:00PM on Friday, June 20th, 2025, at Bethel Lutheran Church, with Revs. Phil Ruud & Inger Hanson officiating. Visitation will begin at 2:00PM and a reception will follow the service. Interment will take place at a later date in St. John's Lutheran Cemetery in Lewiston, Minnesota.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the organizations that held special meaning to Myrna: St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church - School fund, 160 Williams St, Lewiston, MN 55952 https://www.lewistonlutherans.org/ or https://www.stjohnslew.org/ Bethel Lutheran Church - Library Fund 1321 N Avenue, Northfield, MN 55057 https://www.bethelnorthfield.org/
The service will be live streamed at https://youtube.com/@bethellutherannorthfield?si=Px5R7i07xGI3Lxu0
Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Bierman, Benson & Langehough Funeral Home & Crematory. For more information, please visit www.northfieldfuneral.com.