Valerian ‘Larry’ Luetmer

Valerian “Larry” Luetmer, age 90, of Annandale, formerly of New Hope, died on Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023 at the St. Cloud Hospital. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 24, at St. Ignatius Catholic Church in Annandale with Fr. Kevin Magner as the celebrant. Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until the service on Thursday at the church. Burial will take place at Assumption Cemetery in St. Cloud. Memorials are preferred to St. John’s Univeristy in Collegeville or to the charity of the donor’s choice. Valerian Norbert Luetmer was born on Jan. 10, 1933 in Meire Grove to Joseph and Marnie 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. On Aug. 18, 1962, he married JoAnn Nies 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 of 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. The obituary, guestbook, video tribute and funeral webcast are online at www.dingmannfuneral.com.