Fred Luethje (1863-1931)

LUETHJE, THIETJE, COLLINS, KEUHL

Posted By: jane austin (email)
Date: 6/12/2021 at 21:05:24

FRED LUETHJE PASSED AWAY On Monday, October 26, at 11:60 a. m. another of the old settlers of this community passed on to his reward. Fred Luethje was born April 22, 1853, at Kleinvolstedt, in Holstein, Germany, the son of Jurgen and his wife Anna. Here he was baptised, and in due time confirmed into the Evangelical faith, and here he grew to young manhood.

In 1873, he left the land of his fathers seeking a new home in this country of opportunity and finding it at Davenport, Iowa. Here also he found her who was to walk life's pathway with him. In 1884 on May 23, he was united in marriage with Miss Anna K. Thietje, which union was blessed with five children, three daughters and two sons.

They continued to live at Davenport until 1903 when they left there and moved to O'Brien county where they continued farming. A few years ago they retired and moved to Hartley, where they have since made their home.

For some time Mr. Luethje's health had not been all that could be desired, but his final illness was of short duration, about 16 days. His wife and daughter ministered to him with loving care and devotion and his declining years were made as easy as possible. The end came quietly and peacefully on Monday of this week.

He is survived by his widow, who for nearly 50 years shared life's trials and joys with him; his daughters, Miss Anna Luethje at home, Miss Alvina Luethje at Walsenburg, Colo., Mrs. J. O. Collins of Dakota City, Iowa. Two sons, Jerry Luethje of San Jose, Calif., and Albert Luethje of Luverne, Minn. He is also survived by a brother, John Luethje of California, a half-brother, Claus Keuhl in Germany, eight grandchildren and numerous other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were conducted at the home in Hartley on Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock, Rev. F. W. Budy officiating. A ladies quartette consisting of Mrs. Ernest Pfeiffer, Mrs. Charles Rost, Mrs. Lew Putnam and Mrs. John Guenther sang two beautiful selections. Interment was in Pleasant View cemetery.

Mr. Luethje was an honest and industrious man whose work was crowned with success, and a peaceful quiet neighbor whose passing leaves a rent in the ranks of those to whom posterity owes a great debt of gratitude for their efforts to build up this state and nation. He attained the age of 78 years, six months and four days.

Hartley (Iowa) Sentinel, Oct 29, 1931, p8