Steven E. Luethje, 66, died Tuesday, July 6, 2010 at Holmes Regional Medical Center, Melbourne, FL, after a long illness. Steve was born February 13, 1944 in Rockford, IL, the son of Bernard E. and Margaret (leak) Luethje.
He graduated from Winnebago High School, Winnebago, IL in 1962. Steve served in the US Navy aboard the USS Sierra, stationed in Norfolk, VA. He received the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for serving during the Cuban Crisis.
On July 27, 1963, Steve married his high school sweetheart, Patricia Oakes. He graduated from the Washburn Trade School, Chicago, IL, and was a journeyman meat cutter. In 1984, Steve and the family moved to Cocoa, FL where he was a meat cutter for Winn-Dixie until 1994.
Steve was a member of the Titusville Rifle and Pistol Club and S.A.S.S. where he was known as “Spike Silver Dollar”. He loved his family and friends and enjoyed NASCAR races, his hot rod, his five Dachsunds and his three Nigerian Dwarf goats.
Steve is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Pat, three sons, Scott, Jeffrey (Nicole) and Mark; only grandchild, J.J. the son of Jeff and Nicole (J.J. will miss his Paw Paw); sister Patricia Choumont, all of Cocoa; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Robert Luethje of Rockford, IL.
He stands tall and proud, his spirit freed
Slim and agile, built for speed
He revs the throttle of life upon his iron made steed
Thunder’s roar and lightning’s flash
Dusty clouds from his speedy dash
He rides the roads of glory, happy to be free
From his crippled hands to his shattered knees
That hard fought breath now a pleasant breeze
His silver barrels bark, with a smoky boom
Sending bad guy targets to an early tomb
He shot real slow and he missed a few
He tried real hard and it made him stew
But when he was there, you always knew
His hardy laugh and his throaty heeeeeey
Just one more time would make my day
But life goes on and remembrance be
And I know one day my friend I’ll see
Thank ye pard for being a friend to me
Bad Hombre
AKA a friend
