Luitjohan, Francis

Francis A. Luitjohan, 84, of Damiansville, died Sunday, July 29, 2007, at his home. He was born February 19, 1923 in Aviston, son of Frank and Agnes (Stoff) Luitjohan. He married Alvina E. Korte in Damiansville on September 3, 1947 and she survives in Damiansville. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, James (Lana) Luitjohan of Mt. Vernon, Frank (Marlene) Luitjohan of Edwardsville, Betty (Vernell) Hemker of Highland, Mike (Janice) Luitjohan of Germantown, Charles "Chuck" (Theresa) Luitjohan and Cindy (Alan) Grapperhaus all of Breese; 24 grandchildren, Keith (Angela) Luitjohan, Craig (Betty) Luitjohan, Michelle (Chris) Stempson, Heather (Chris) Odom, Dan (Julie) Luitjohan, Matthew (Lacey) Luitjohan, Jessica Luitjohan, Elizabeth Luitjohan, Joshua Luitjohan, Rachel (Sean) Barth, Laurie (Dustin) Griffith, Lisa (Jared) Schroeder, Leslie (Scott) Gurley, Lindsay (fiancé, Dean) Hemker, Leann (Randy) Rinderer, Kevin (fiancée, Heather) Luitjohan, Dale Luitjohan, Amy Luitjohan, Brian (Heather) Luitjohan, Carey (Jason) Strader, Jake Grapperhaus, Chad Grapperhaus, Nick Grapperhaus, and Ben Grapperhaus; four step-grandchildren, Jim (Sue) Bonner, Scott (Donna) Bonner, Buffy (Brian) Heggemeier and Chastity (Steve) Wilson; 19 great-grandchildren; brothers and sisters, Paul (Mary Ann) Luitjohan, Marie (Vince) Horstmann, Rita Warnecke, Delores Zobrist, Jane (Cyril "Pete") Korte all of Highland, Anna Spihlman of Germantown, Clara (Gualberd) Emig of Trenton, Millie (Allan) Frey of Pierron and Pat (Rudy) Brandmeyer of Damiansville; brothers-in-law & sisters-in-law, Frances Luitjohan, Eileen Luitjohan, Alice Luitjohan, Ed & Agnes Korte, Sister Florence Korte, ASC, Jerome "Dick" & Clara Korte, Ray & Carol Korte, and Veronica Korte. He was preceded in death by his parents, 3 brothers, John Luitjohan, Al Luitjohan and Joe Luitjohan; a sister, Agnes Goebel; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Ray Spihlman, Lloyd Warnecke, Maynard "Bud" Zobrist, Darlene Luitjohan, Lawrence Goebel, Marie & Louis Rolves, George Korte, Ferd Korte, Joe Korte and Sister Mary Judith Korte, ASC. Mr. Luitjohan was a carpenter. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving in the Pacific Theatre, WWII and was awarded the Bronze Star. He was a member of the St. Damian Parish and Holy Name; Albers-Damiansville Knights of Columbus Council 9768; he was past commander and member of the American Legion Post 1026 and a member of Carpenter Local 433 in Belleville. A funeral mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, August 1, 2007, at St. Damian Catholic Church in Damiansville with the Msgr. Donald Eichenseer officiating. Burial will follow in the St. Damian Cemetery, Damiansville. Friends may call from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. Tuesday, July 31, 2007 and from 8 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, August 1, 2007 at the Hempen Funeral Home in New Baden. Memorials may be made to St. Damian Parish and will be received at the funeral home.