Elton D. Luensmann, age 73 of Marion, passed away on June 17, 2015. Visitation will be held at Tres Hewell Mortuary on Friday, June 19, 2015 from 5 to 7 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 20, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at Redeemer United Church at Zuehl with Rev. Lee Zillmann officiating. Interment will follow in the Redeemer United Church Cemetery. Elton was born on February 13, 1942 in Bexar County Texas near Marion to Hugo Edgar, Sr., and Ella (Bielke) Luensmann.

Elton Delvin Luensmann was a loving, gracious and humble husband, father and grandfather. Elton, his parents and eight siblings embodied all riches money cannot buy – togetherness, love, respect, honor and loyalty.

Without toys and only after their chores were done, the Luensmann children entertained themselves without material things, and proved themselves an inventive bunch.

As the Luensmann family grew, they were only able to attend school once the crops were harvested. Elton was a charming, well liked, talented and a true leader amongst his peers. When recruited by the high school football coach, Hugo told Elton he could only play once the crops were harvested, and he did – as Quarterback.

During these younger years, Elton met his future wife and the woman he would spend the next 56 years with, Dorothy Reiley. Their love brought them a large family who they taught to be honest, compassionate and respectful.

Elton and Dorothy married on a warm summer day in June 1963, surrounded by friends, family and the hope of a full and rich life together. Within a year, they welcomed their first two bundles of joy, twins Gary and Sharry, and soon added two more to their family, Janet and Dustin. The couple would have celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversary this coming Monday, June 22.

The couple were blessed with 12 grandchildren and found the most happiness when spending time with their loved ones.

Elton held many responsibilities in his life, including a job working on the railroad in Houston and a long career at City Public Service, where he was a loyal and hardworking employee. He was a member of the Bexar Bowling Society and the Zuehl Hermann Sons Lodge #163. Elton enjoyed fishing, golfing, bowling, 4-H projects with his grandchildren, and participating (mostly barbequing) in community events.

He is preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Ella I. Luensmann and Sophie Strey and his brothers, Walter Luensmann and Hugo Luensmann, Jr. Survivors include his loving wife Dorothy Jean Luensmann; children, Gary Luensmann and wife Jeane, Sharry Brietzke and husband Kevin, Janet Boatner and husband Malcolm, and Dustin Luensmann and wife Crystal; grandchildren, Albany Luensmann, Kristopher Luensmann and wife Kelsey, Taylor Luensmann, Collin Brietzke, Colton Brietzke, Reiley Boatner, Dean Boatner, Steeley Luensmann, Cooper Luensmann, Shelby Ryall, Suzy Ryall and Rebecca Brietzke; brothers, Arthur Luensmann and wife Juanita, Reno Luensmann, Alvin Luensmann and wife Sandra; sister, Annie Coldewey and husband Robert; sisters-in-law, Jan Luensmann and Dorothy Mae Luensmann; brother-in-law, Delton Reiley; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other loving family members and a host of friends. Serving as pallbearers will be Taylor Luensmann, Allen Coldewey, Collin Brietzke, Kevin Luensmann, Johnny Luensmann and Ronnie Luensmann. Honorary pallbearers will be Howard Luensmann, Alex Schaefer, Gene Brietzke, Pete Mc Brearty, Sid Moczygemba, Herman Herden and Delton Reiley.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, c/o Jeanette Siltmann, 196 Townesend Road, Seguin, Texas, 78155 or Redeemer United Church, 7415 Gin Road, Marion, Texas, 78124.