Vergil Dean Luthi

Vergil Dean Luthi, 81, of Hitterdal, MN, died Friday, August 30, 2024, in his home in Detroit Lakes, MN.

Vergil was born January 5, 1943, to Edward and Esther (Anderson) Luthi. He was baptized and confirmed at Highland Grove Lutheran Church and grew up on the family farm northeast of Hawley, MN. Grade school years were spent at Winnipeg Junction and then Hawley Public Schools, where he graduated from high school. Vergil served proudly in the U.S. Navy from 1962 to 1966, training as an aircraft hydraulic mechanic. Basic training was completed in Great Lakes, IL, followed by aircraft maintenance school and training at Millington, TN and Miramar, CA. He worked on the U.S.S. Kittyhawk and had major deployments in the Western Pacific and South China sea. He was a dedicated member of the North Dakota Air National Guard from 1980-2003.

Vergil married Carol Green in California in 1967, and they had two children, Teresa and Tanya. He used his skills as an aircraft mechanic for employment with Continental Airlines, Northwest Airlines, and the North Dakota Air National Guard. He also worked as a general mechanic for Swenson Repair. Vergil met Adrienne Eide in 1984, they were married on August 8, 1994, and they made their home in Hitterdal. 

Vergil would tell you that his best memories included sharing a home, life and traveling with Adrienne for 37 years, and the special blessings of his daughters and their families. Making special memories with his grandchildren was a highlight of his life. He deeply appreciated the years spent in military service; the training, experience and adventure of the U.S. Navy set the course for his adult life. Vergil also enjoyed building and fixing things, motorcycles and pickup trucks, hunting, fishing and cutting wood. 

Vergil is survived by his daughters, Teresa (Bert) McDonough, Pelican Lake, MN, and Tanya Andres (Dan Torkelson), Hitterdal; grandchildren, Landen McDonough, Briar Andres and Hailey Andres; siblings, Michael (LaVaye) Luthi, Paul (Nancy) Luthi and Kay (Bob) Aldrich. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Adrienne.

A memorial service will be held Friday, September 6, 2024, at 2:00 P.M., with visitation for one hour before the service, at Salem Lutheran Church, Hitterdal, MN. The service will be Live-streamed through the Salem Lutheran Church Facebook page.