Saturday, December 2, 2023
Valerian “Larry” Luetmer, 90, of Annandale, formerly of New Hope, died Aug. 19, 2023, at the St. Cloud Hospital.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 24, at St. Ignatius Catholic Church in Annandale with the Rev. Kevin Magner as the celebrant. Visitation will be 9:30 a.m. until the service Thursday at the church. Burial will take place at Assumption Cemetery in St. Cloud. Memorials are preferred to St. John’s University in Collegeville or to the charity of the donor’s choice.
Valerian Norbert Luetmer was born Jan. 10, 1933, in Meire Grove, to Joseph and Marie Luetmer. He attended the parochial school in Meire Grove through eighth grade and graduated from Melrose High School. After working on the family farm for two years, Larry enlisted in the U.S. Army for three years during the Korean War. He served in the far east for over two years, mostly in Okinawa. When he returned, he attended St. John’s University in Collegeville, graduating in 1959 with a degree in business and economics. He married JoAnn Nies Aug. 18, 1962, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in St. Cloud. They made their home in New Hope. Larry worked three years as a bank examiner before joining Honeywell/ATK, where he spent 31 years. After retirement, Larry and JoAnn moved to Annandale where they were members of St. Ignatius Catholic Church. Larry served as an usher, participated in Bible study and served on various committees and boards.
Larry was an outdoor enthusiast. He enjoyed hunting trips around the Midwest, fly-in fishing trips to Canada, and many trips to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. His favorite was deer hunting in northern Minnesota. Larry loved his family and enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s school and sporting events. He had many happy memories spending time with them fishing, walking in the woods and sitting around campfires at the family cabin near Emily. Larry and the family traveled extensively, visiting all but one state in the U.S. and all but one Canadian province. Larry’s hobbies included woodworking. He could build or fix almost anything. He loved capturing photos during each trip and family event.
Larry is survived by his wife of 61 years, JoAnn Luetmer; daughter Ann (Mike) Erickson of Long Lake; grandchildren Amy and Luke Erickson; brother Al (Maureen) Luetmer; and many nieces, nephews and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Marie Luetmer; sisters Lidwina Stacy, Rose O’Connor, Colette Gates, Sister Nora Luetmer, OSB, and Marie Luetmer; brother Henry Luetmer; and cousin Mary Lou Harris.
Arrangements are entrusted with Dingmann Funeral Care Burial and Cremation Services of Annandale. Guestbook, video tribute and funeral webcast can be found online at www.dingmannfuneral.com.
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