Lutjens, J. William, 1885-1945

LUTJENS, LUETJENS, BECKMANN, BECKMAN

Posted By: Lydia Lucas - Volunteer (email)
Date: 6/19/2010 at 17:11:28

OBITUARY J. WILLIAM LUETJENS

Mr. Luetjens, son of the late Henry Luetjens, was born on the old family farmstead north of Hull on Aug. 18, 1885. He was received into communion with God by baptism in early infancy and entered into active membership of the Lutheran Church, and of St. Paul congregation northeast of Hull by the rite of confirmation on March 26, 1899. His early childhood and youth he spent in the parental home. Having grown to manhood he took to wife Miss Louise Beckmann on Sept. 30, 1908. The young couple established residence in Hull. Here he held partnership in the meat market business with his brother Herman. After five years of business activity the Luetjens moved to a farm six miles north of Hull, tilling the soil for nine years. Again taking up residence in Hull, Mr. Luetjens found employment with various business firms, the last of which was the Beckmann dray line.

About two years ago sickness forced him to bed where he spent many months. He really never fully recovered and thus had but one choice, that of ceasing all activity. But even rest and medical care were of no avail. Not even the most loving care of his family could restore the once strong man that he was. Life was ebbing slowly but surely until he passed very suddenly on Feb. 2, 1945 at the age of 59 years, 5 months and 14 days. Of the 6 children born to the Luetjens 4 survive their father.

Mourners over his sudden departure are his devoted wife; two daughters, Frances (Mrs. Richard Kuiper), Hull, Ethel (Mrs. Wm. Reit), Hull; two sons with the armed forces, Elmer at present in Italy, Eddie at present in France; the grandchildren, Noreen and Royce Reit of Hull; three brothers, Herman of California, Louis of Sheldon, Otto of Omaha; one sister, Mrs. Henry Tiedemann of Hull; mother, Mrs. Rikka Luetjens of Hull; several uncles, aunts and nephews and a host of friends and acquaintances of the community in which he lived and labored.

On Tuesday, Feb. 5 the body was committed in St. Paul Luth. Cemetery. Brief services were held at the residence and at St. Paul Luth. church under the direction of the pastor. Pallbearers were Alfred and William Tiedemann, Henry and Emil Breuer, Wallace Luetjens and Kenneth Peterson.

Source: Sioux Center News, Feb. 15, 1945.

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A similar obituary in the Sioux County Capital (Feb. 15, 1945) renders his name as William J. Lutjens, and spells his wife's maiden name as Beckman. His wife's obituary (Sioux Center News, Feb. 23, 1961) also spells her surname Lutjens, as do obituaries of other family members. The Sioux County Capital obituary also spells their daughter Frances' surname as Kuipers and states that twins died in infancy.