James Luetkehans Obituary

Luetkehans, James Francis 76, of Englewood, FL, Saturday, January 6, 2007 at Tidewell Hospice and Palliative Care Englewood, FL. Born on January 22, 1930 in Fort Madison, IA to the late Lawrence and Catherine (Bodding) Luetkehans. Mr. Luetkehans moved to Englewood, FL in 1998 from Wheaton, IL. He attended St. Ambrose College, graduating in 1951. He then spent two years in the U.S. Army before attending St. Louis University, attaining a Master of Social Work Degree in 1955. He was the first administrator of the DuPage Mental Health Center in Wheaton, IL. For many years following, he worked as Director of Social Services at Riveredge Hospital, Chicago while also having a psychotherapy private practice in Wheaton, IL. As his four sons became older, his wife joined him in the practice. Later in his career, he also did consulting work for DuPage Mental Health Center. After retiring to Florida, he extended his caring for others through his membership at St. Raphael's Catholic Church, where he and his wife Sheila, and another couple, started the Stephen Ministry Program. He was also a member of the Boca Royale Golf and Country Club where he played golf and bridge, as well as devoting time as an avid Notre Dame Fan. Survivors include his wife of 51 years: Sheila (Pendergast) Luetkehans of Englewood, FL; three sons: Dr. Thomas (Mary) Luetkehans of Olympia, WA, Dr. Daniel (Carol) Luetkehans of Wheaton, IL and Mark (Stephanie) Luetkehans of LaGrange, IL: one brother, Maynard (Carol) Luetkehans of Wheaton, IL and Naples, FL; two sisters, Victoria Myers of Shelton, WA, Donna Cox of Monmouth, IL and ten grandchildren. A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Raphael's Catholic Church, 770 Kilbourne Ave. Englewood, FL 34223 on Friday, January 12, 2007, at 10 a.m. Memorial donations may be made to: James F. Luetkehans Memorial Fund - Boys and Girls Club of West Cook County, 4000 St. Paul Ave. P0 Box 183, Bellwood, IL 60104. Englewood Community Funeral Home & Cremation Service has been selected to handle the arrangements.