Donald W. Luehrsen, age 81, of Reedsburg, passed away on Friday, Dec. 19, 2008, at the Reedsburg Area Senior Life Center. He was born on Nov. 16, 1927, in Loganville, the son of Albert and Amanda (Licht) Luehrsen. Donald was baptized and confirmed in his faith at St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Loganville. On April 30, 1949, Don was united in marriage to Eleanor Stubenvoll, also at St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church. This marriage was blessed with four children. Don farmed the family farm in rural Loganville and then in 1968, the Luehrsens moved to Reedsburg, where he began his career in insurance and investments. Don was a member of St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church in Reedsburg, where he served on many committees. He served on the Board of Directors and as President of the Reedsburg Area Medical Center for nine years. Don enjoyed hunting and fishing and many will remember him for his beautiful woodwork that he lovingly made for his family and friends. Donald was preceded in death by his daughter, Jane, in infancy; his parents, Albert and Amanda Luehrsen; mother and father-in-law, the Rev. and Mrs. C. F. Stubenvoll; daughter-in-law, Charlene Luehrsen; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, the Rev. C. L. Stubenvoll; and brother-in-law, William Schroeder. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Eleanor "Ellie" Luehrsen of Reedsburg; children and their spouses, John Luehrsen and Jean Schomisch of Madison, Mary Luehrsen and Peter Young of Port Chester, N.Y., and Paul and Saralyn Luehrsen of Nashville, Tenn.; grandchildren, Eric Luehrsen of Royal Oaks, Mich., Virginia Luehrsen and fiancé, Kuldeep Chaudhary of Austin, Texas, and Amanda Young of Port Chester, N.Y.; sisters, Gertrude Schroeder of Madison and Geraldine (Glen) Burtness of Orfordville; nieces; nephews; along with other relatives and friends. A memorial service for Donald W. Luehrsen will be conducted at noon on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2008, at St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church, Reedsburg.

Baraboo News Republic
December 22, 2008