Donald H. Luerssen

Donald H. Luerssen, 91, of Cabool, Missouri, passed away peacefully on May 30, 2026. Born on December 27, 1934, in Arlington Heights, Illinois, Don lived a life marked by dedication to his family, faith, and community.

Don was the beloved husband of the late Leona Luerssen. High school sweethearts, Don and Leona married on September 11, 1954, and shared a devoted partnership that spanned decades. Together they were blessed with three children: Mike, David and Kathy. Their home was filled with love and hard work as they built their life as dairy farmers in Harvard, Illinois. In 1998, Don and Leona moved to Cabool, Missouri, where they continued farming alongside their son Mike and his family.

Don proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1955 until his honorable discharge in 1957. His commitment to service extended beyond his military years into his community and church life. Don was very honored to be part of the Vets Roll on May 22-25, 2016 to Washington D C. A man of deep faith, Don was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Harvard until their move to Missouri. At the time of his passing, he was a dedicated member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Willow Springs, Missouri. He contributed to the church through his involvement in the choir and council.

Don's life was enriched by many passions. He found joy in painting with watercolors, woodworking and cabinet making, tending to his garden and flowers, square dancing with friends, and attending bluegrass performances at the Star Theater in Willow Springs. Farming was not just a livelihood but a way of life for Don—a testament to his tireless work ethic and love for the land. He also valued his involvement with the Farm Bureau in Illinois and Missouri. Family was at the heart of Don's life. He is survived by his sister, Carol Koch and husband, Ed; his son Mike and wife, Sandy; daughter-in-law, Cindy; grandchildren, Ryan and wife, Vernieca, Josh and wife, Katie, Jared and wife, Maggie, Matt and wife, Emily, Adam, David Jr., Jonathan and wife, Brittany and Jeremy Penzol; as well as numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins who will cherish his memory. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Leona; parents, George and Laura Luerssen; parents-in-law, John and Marie Krohn; son, David; daughter, Kathy; brother, Lawrence Luerssen and wife, Rosemary; sister-in-law, Mary Nash and husband, Myrl.

Don's legacy is one of love for family, friends and faithfulness to God's calling. His memory will live on through those who knew him best-his family members and friends who carry forward his values of hard work and devotion. May Donald H. Luerssen rest in eternal peace alongside those he loved so dearly. 

Visitation will be held in Cabool, MO, on Friday, June 5, 2026, from 6:00-8:00PM at Elliot-Gentry Carder Funeral Home, 527 Cedar Ave, Cabool, MO 65689. Funeral service will take place at 11:00AM on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 700 E. Main St., Willow Springs, MO 65793.

An additional visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, from 10:00AM until 12:00PM at Saunders & McFarlin Funeral Home, 107 W. Sumner St., Harvard, IL 60033. A graveside service with military honors will take place at Big Foot Cemetery at 12:30PM, following the visitation. 

Memorial donations can be made in Donald's honor to Vets Roll at vetsroll.org/donate. 

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