Arnold Alvin Luetje

Arnold Alvin Luetje, more affectionately known as Arnie, was born on July 31, 1944, the son of Adolph and Lulu (Herrig) Luetje in Westside, Iowa. He was baptized on September 3, 1944, and confirmed on February 18, 1962, at Zion Lutheran Church in Arcadia. He received his education from Ar-We-Va schools and graduated with the class of 1963. Right out of high school, Arnold enlisted into the United States Marine Corps and served honorably.

Arnie married Paulette Englehardt on August 31, 1984, in Elk Point, South Dakota. The couple had a lot of interest in the World’s Fairs and that opened the door for them to start traveling. They went to many places including Australia, New Zealand and the Caribbean. He was proud to belong to the German American Society in Omaha and that organization took them to Germany, which they genuinely appreciated touring.

Arnie worked at Farmland Foods for 28 years, holding various positions within the company, he started out on the boning table and retired as a meat inspector. He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Arcadia and the Alfred Rossman American Legion Post 196 in Westside for many years. Arnie took pride in his country. He enjoyed watching the Iowa Hawkeyes play football, as well as watching western television shows with his wife, Paulette.

Arnie passed away on Thursday, October 5, 2023, at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha at the age of 79 years, two months and four days.

Arnie was preceded in death by his parents; brother: John Luetje; and sister, Luetta Nobiling. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Paulette Luetje of Omaha, Nebraska; mother-in-law, Maurine Englehardt of Omaha, Nebraska; two brothers: Melvin Luetje and Emil Luetje both of Texas; nieces and nephews; and many other relatives and friends.

Burial with military honors will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 10 in the Westside Cemetery. A Celebration of Life Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 4:00 p.m. all on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, at the Huebner Funeral Home in Westside. Memorials may be directed to the family.