"Bob"
Robert F. Luther
“Bob” Robert F. Luther, 71, of Grand Island, died Wednesday, January 21, 2009 at St. Francis Medical Center.
Memorial
service will be at noon on Saturday at St. Mary’s Cathedral.
The Reverend Richard L. Piontkowski will officiate. Military honors will
be provided by the U.S. Navy and the United Veterans Honor Guard.
At Mr. Luther’s request, cremation has taken place. All Faiths Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Luther was born August 28, 1937 to Donald and Shirley (Starkey) Luther in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
Survivors of the immediate family include two daughters and sons-in-law, Melanie and Ron Fowler of Grand Island, Robyn and Tim Wysocki of St. Paul, NE; a son, Garrett Luther and his special friend Barbara Ulrich of Lincoln; a brother and sister-in-law, Richard and Joyce Luther of Lincoln.
Additional survivors include grandchildren, Andrew and Rylee Buettner of Oak Grove, KY, Casey Buettner of Kearney, Mark Jordan Steen and special friend Rachel of Kearney, Jarrod and Jamie Luther of Lincoln, Joey and Jaime Wysocki of St. Paul and Timothy Luther of Grand Island; two great granddaughters, Rozlyn and Reagan Buettner of Oak Grove, KY; and his fishing friend, Dwight Donahey of Grand Island.
He is preceded in death by his wife Donna on October 25, 2000 and his parents.
Robert attended Jefferson and Dodge elementary, Barr Junior High and graduated from Cairo High School in 1955. Robert enlisted in the United States Navy and served aboard the USS Walton, a destroyer escort. During his tour of duty he took part in Operation Redwing which involved atomic bomb experiments in the Pacific during June of 1956. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Petty Officer 3 rd Class in 1959.
Robert joined the United States Air Force Reserve at Grand Island in October, 1961. Shortly thereafter, this unit was activated during the Cuban Missal Crisis. October, 1964 Robert was honorably discharged with the rank of Staff Sergeant.
Robert married Donna Ambroz on August 15, 1959 in Grand Island.
Bob worked at Herman Plumbing (1959-62), Sanitary Plumbing (1962-77) at which time he opened his own business, Luther Plumbing. He was a master plumber and a hard worker, often putting in 12-16 hour days to support his family. Bob worked primarily in residential plumbing and was a mainstay when the elderly of the community needed household repairs.
The Boy Scouts were especially important to Bob. He served as Scout Master for 14 years for Troop 120 and was on the Eagle Scout Committee 35 years. He earned the district merit award in 1983 and the silver beaver award in 1984. Bob also spent many enjoyable hours cooking for the scouts at Camp Augustine south of Grand Island.
His memberships include the National Association of Atomic Veterans, Sons of the American Legion Post 53, Disabled American Veterans Post 11 and the Izaak Walton League where he enjoyed cooking for many years.
Memorials are suggested to Camp Augustine or the Disabled American Veterans.