Carolyn Luehring

Carolyn L. Eilts was born October 8, 1933 in Fairbury, Nebraska to Edwin and Viola Ridder Eilts. She was baptized March 25, 1934 in Fairbury, Nebraska. Carolyn graduated from Fairbury High School in 1950. Prior to her marriage she worked for an insurance company and the Fairbury State Bank.

Gilbert L. Luehring was born June 21, 1926 at rural Hollenberg, Kansas to Ernest and Esther Petsch Luehring. He grew up with two older sisters and a younger brother. Gilbert was baptized July 18, 1926 at Zion Lutheran Church, State Line where he was confirmed on April 21, 1940. He graduated from Hollenberg High School in 1943. Gilbert farmed with his dad and grandpa until he was inducted into military service August 10, 1945. After basic training he went through Signal Corps training in Germany to be a telephone lineman and worked on lines out of Karlsruhe, Germany. Gilbert was honorably discharged May 1, 1947 and came home to resume farming on the family farm after his father’s death that year.

Gilbert and Carolyn were married August 23, 1953 in the Methodist church in Fairbury. Carolyn was confirmed into the Lutheran faith June 6, 1954 at Zion Lutheran church. They lived on the farm during most of their married life and raised four children. Carolyn worked at Sears and H&R Block. In 2001 they sold the farm and moved to Fairbury.
Gilbert was a life long member of Zion Lutheran Church where he served in numerous leadership roles, including council president. He was a member of American Legion Post 349 in Steele City and a member of the VFW in Fairbury. Other activities included school board member of District 58, county ASCS board, and assisted in the Veterans Service Office. During the fall of 2008 Gilbert had the privilege of participating in the Heartland Honor Flight program and traveled to Washington, DC to visit the WWII memorial and other monuments.
Carolyn was involved in many activities at the church including Sunday school, Bible school, and Women of the ELCA. She was also a member of the Steele City American Legion Auxiliary.
After retiring from the farm, Gilbert and Carolyn worked for Struve Enterprises, managing apartments in Fairbury. Throughout their life they were also active in square dancing, playing cards, volunteering at the blood mobile, participating in numerous activities at the Wellness center, and attending local sporting events.
Gilbert and Carolyn’s greatest joy was spending time with their family: their children, grandchildren, and friends.

On Sunday, June 7, 2009 Gilbert and Carolyn lost their lives in a car accident.
They leave to mourn daughter Shari Luehring of Lincoln, NE, son and daughter-in-law Bruce and Anita Luehring of Derby, KS, daughter and son-in-law Lori and Scott Muller of Lincoln, NE, son-in-law Dan Hoffmeyer of Hebron, NE; grandchildren Katie and Paul Guenther of North Platte, NE, Heather and Ely Fletcher of Jacksonville, FL, Ashley Houtwed of Sydney, NE, Joshua Muller and Megan Cadek of Fort Morgan, CO, Holly Luehring of Derby, KS, and Jordan Muller of Lincoln, NE; great-grandchildren Madison Muller and Gradyn Guenther; Gilbert’s sisters Arlene Oestreich of Linn, KS and LuElla and Birtley Schneider of Hudson, WI.
They were preceded in death by their parents, Gilbert’s brother, Richard Luehring, and daughter, Nancy Hoffmeyer.

Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, June 12, 2009 at Zion Lutheran State Line Church, rural Hollenberg, KS. Burial will be at the church cemetery.