James Luehmann

James Harlan Luehmann, Lewiston, died December 2, 2015, peacefully with his wife at his side. The funeral will be Saturday, December 5 at St. John's Church, Lewiston, at 11 A.M, with the visitation at St. John's on Friday from 4-7 PM. Jim was the youngest of seven children born to August Luehmann and Rose (Mueller) Luehmann on March 19, 1929. Jim was the last living member of the family that included Ruth (Mervine) Milstein, Elvira (Lester) Baab, Norman (Norma) Luehmann, Doris (Robert) Matt, LuVerne Luehmann, and Grace (Wm) Hunter. Jim lived on the home farm much of his life. He was a life- long member of St. John's Lutheran Church and attended their grade school. He then was a student at Lewiston High School where he was active in sports, especially football. He was named all- conference football center two years in a row and was captain of the team. Jim was the only one of his senior class to receive a draft notice. After graduation, his draft was deferred so he could help his father farm. When the deferment expired, he and eleven others from the area were inducted into the army. After the completion of his two years of service, he studied at River Falls College before returning to farm and begin purchasing the farm. On August 6, 1956, he was united in marriage to the love of his life, Patricia Anne (Jenson) in Nekoosa, Wisconsin. They were blessed with two children, Joel (Denise) Luehmann and Maren (Roy) Kryzer. Their happiness grew as they had five grandchildren, Andy Kryzer, Adam Luehmann, Nick Kryzer, Emily Luehmann and Carmen Kryzer. As Jim and Pat continued farming Jim was active in farming organizations: chairman of the SRMC watershed, Farm Bureau, American Legion, Voting delegate of AMPI, and MN Corngrowers' Association/Pioneer Champions Club. He was eager to study new methods of farming and was an early advocate of contour farming on the sloping fields, use of the milking parlor and open housing. As his farming experience grew he eventually expanded the farm land, especially after the formation of the Luehmann/Kryzer Partnership and this helped support even more and larger pieces of his favorite John Deere machinery. Jim and Pat were busy with farming, but really enjoyed traveling and visited almost every state in the United States including Alaska and Hawaii. They traveled extensively in Europe, Australia, and South America, especially Peru. They also were thrilled to spend any available time at their cottage on Sand Lake near Bloomer, Wisconsin, either on the lake in the summer or skiing at Christi Mountain in the winter. For the first twenty years of their marriage, Jim and Pat lived in the brick farm home where he had lived with his parents. They then decided to design and build another home on the farm. After planning their home for a year, Jim was the contractor for their new home which they moved to in March, 1979. This home brought them many pleasures and was also adaptable when Jim, for the last five years was confined to a wheelchair. As a preferred memorial donation consider Mayo Clinic Alzheimer's study, Rochester, MN or St. John's Church, LewistonWe will be forever grateful to the many who have been so kind and helpful. Without our family, Jim could not have continued to live at home. Liza Haagenson from Global and the many health care aides, volunteers, and staff from Hospice have helped Jim stay comfortable and happy. Our friends brought the outside to our home and helped me learn nursing skills, visit, and play bridge. Dave and Kathy Rupprecht provided rides to church with their wheelchair van. The MN. Marine Art Museum with it's Sparks program stimulated us. Pastors Lindemann and Kuckhahn guided us with helpful messages. Thank you all for the blessings you have provided. The Lewiston American Legion will provide military graveside honors at the cemetery. Please share a memory of Jim and view his video tribute when it becomes available at www.hofffuneral.com. Hoff Funeral Home of Lewiston is assisting the family with arrangements.
Tribute video can be found at: videos.lifetributes.com/652509