William Luetkemeyer (Veteran)

William A. "Bill" Luetkemeyer, age 90, of St. Elizabeth, passed away Friday, April 16, 2010, at his home. He was born in Tuscumbia on March 9, 1920, son of the late William J. and Emma Elizabeth (Schwieterman) Luetkemeyer. On May 15, 1945, at the St. Lawrence Catholic Church in St. Elizabeth he married Carmen Olivia Bax, who preceded him in death on December 16, 2005. At the time of his death, he was Chairman of Board of Bank of St. Elizabeth and St. Elizabeth Bancshares, having recently retired from active office in the bank after 70 years. He was a member of the St. Lawrence Catholic Church, St. Joseph's Men's Sodality, and St. Elizabeth Knights of Columbus. Bill was a veteran of WWII having served three and a half years in Africa, Italy, and England. He also served as a member or officer of several community organizations including the 20-60 Men's Club, American Legion Post #545, St. Elizabeth Community Center Board, and the St. Elizabeth Village Board of Trustees. Over the years, he also served on the St. Elizabeth Care Center Board and the St. Elizabeth Mutual Insurance Company. In 1946, he began Luetkemeyer Insurance Agency, which he owned until 1988. Bill was also a tax preparer from 1946 to 1978. He loved to farm and raised hogs and cattle for many years. He is survived by two sons, Blaine Luetkemeyer and wife Jackie of St. Elizabeth, Brice Luetkemeyer of St. Elizabeth; five grandchildren, Nikki Hammond and husband Dustin, Brandy Cole and husband Tim, Trevor Luetkemeyer and wife Amy; Clinton "C.J". Luetkemeyer, and Callan Luetkemeyer; one great-granddaughter, Riley Hammond; one brother, Alfred Luetkemeyer of St. Elizabeth; and four sisters, Mildred Evers of St. Louis, Irene Berkel of Austin, Texas, Margie Jurgensmeyer of Miami, Oklahoma, and Lori Turle of Chicago, Illinois. He was also preceded in death by one brother, Victor Luetkemeyer. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, April 19, 2010, at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in St. Elizabeth. Rev. Daniel Lueckenotte will officiate. Interment with military honors will be in St. Lawrence Cemetery in St. Elizabeth. Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m., with a prayer service at 7:30 p.m., on Sunday, April 18, at the St. Elizabeth Community Center. Memorial contributions are suggested to the St. Mary's Hospice or to the St. Lawrence Cemetery. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.fancher-rekusfuneralhomes.com.