James Luebbering

James Luebbering, age 81, of Meta, passed away Sunday, May 27, 2012, at Oak Tree Villa in Jefferson City. He was born in St. Thomas on February 15, 1931, son of the late Leo and Rose (Strope) Luebbering. On October 17, 1959, in St. Anthony, James married Christine Hattie Engelmeyer, who survives at the home. James was a long time Board Member for St. Thomas/Babbtown Mutual Insurance. He was an original Board Member of the Meta M.F.A., and also served as a long time member of the National Farmers Organization. He was a Third Degree Knight in the St. Thomas Knights of Columbus and also served as a Past Grand Knight. He was very active in many other church and community events and organizations. James was a member of St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Meta. He is also survived by five children, Helen Osman and husband John of Hyattsville, Maryland, Art Luebbering of Jefferson City, Karen Struemph and husband Paul of St. Thomas, Rodney Luebbering and wife Amy of Meta, and Scott Luebbering of Meta; 10 grandchildren, David Osman and wife Erin of Austin, Texas, Katie Richards and husband Paul of Shepherdstown, West Virginia, Sarah Rose and husband Jimmy of Austin, Texas, Laurie Osman of Austin, Texas, Nathaniel Luebbering of Jefferson City, Becky Otto and husband Justin of St. Elizabeth, Renee Struemph of St. Thomas, Erin Struemph of St. Thomas, Morgan Luebbering of Meta, and Jacob Luebbering of Meta; two great-grandchildren, Brigid Richards and Caitlin Osman; two brothers, Eugene Luebbering and Chris Luebbering both of St. Thomas; and two sisters, Juliana Crane of Jefferson City and Mary Wilbers of Linn. He was preceded in death by one brother, Stan Luebbering and one infant grandchild. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 1, 2012, at St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Meta. Rev. Mark Porterfield will officiate. Interment with military honors will be held in St. Cecilia Cemetery in Meta. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m., with a prayer service at 4 p.m., on Thursday, May 31, at the church. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions are suggested to the St. Thomas the Apostle School. Arrangements are under the direction of Fancher-Rekus Funeral Home in Meta. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.fancher-rekusfuneralhomes.com.