Obituary-Wilbur E. Luethje, 93

Wilbur E. Luethje, 93, Marshalltown, IA, formerly of Garwin, IA, passed away Friday, February 26, 2016, at the Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown. Visitation was held Sunday, February 28, 2016, at Overton Funeral Home in Garwin. Masonic Services were conducted by Olivet Lodge #436, Gladbrook, IA, on Sunday, February 28, 2016. Funeral services were held Monday, February 29, 2016, at Overton Funeral Home in Garwin. Military Rites were conducted by Gladbrook American Legion Post 127. Burial was in Crystal Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the Forty and Eight Nurses Training or Peace United Church of Christ, 201 Johnston St., Gladbrook, IA 50635. Condolences may be left at www.overtonservice.com. Overton Funeral Home in Garwin helped with the arrangements. Wilbur Edward Luethje was born November 9, 1922 on a farm in Spring Creek Township, Iowa: the son of Henry and Helen (Rohweder) Luethje. He attended Spring Creek Elementary #7. Wilbur served in the Army Air Corp. during World War II in the Southwest Pacific. He married Betty Lou Groth on September 15, 1957; she preceded him in death in January 1969. Wilbur was then united in marriage to Ellen Swartz on August 24, 1970; she preceded him in death in February 1993. He was raised farming, he farmed in Gladbrook and Tama County his adult life. Wilbur was a member of 40 & 8, Gladbrook American Legion, Masonic Lodge in Gladbrook and the Farm Bureau. He was also a member of Peace United Church of Christ in Gladbrook. Wilbur passed away on Friday, February 26, 2016 at the Veterans Home in Marshalltown at the age of 93. He is preceded in death by his parents; first wife Betty and second wife Ellen; a step-son Robert Swartz a step-grandson Gregory Swartz; a brother Richard “Dick” Luethje; a special friend Phyllis Ploen and two sisters: Ina Emke and Irene Quinn. Wilbur is survived by three step-sons: Paul Swartz of Marshalltown, Steve (Linda) Swartz of Marshalltown and Jim Swartz of Waterloo; a step-daughter-in-law Wanthna Swartz of St. Helens, Oregon; five step-grandchildren: Mike (Summer) Swartz, Scott Swartz, Aaron (Amy) Swartz, Jonie (Guy Bown) Swartz and Ryan Swartz; nine step-great-grandchildren and many loving nieces, nephews and friends.