Lawrence Linton Luetje

Lawrence Linton Luetje, of Saint Charles, MO, passed away Monday, June 5, 2023, at the age of 84. Beloved husband of Donna Ball Luetje, with whom he shared 58 years of marriage; cherished son of the late Lawrence Lester Luetje and the late Virginia Ruth Luetje; devoted father of Mim Luetje (Garrett Beauvais) and Matthew Luetje (Gina); dear brother of Charles M. Luetje, M.D. (Sandra); loving “Papa” and grampa of Davis, Owen and Cecelia;  uncle to three nephews, two nieces and their families.

“LLL” taught thousands of junior and high school students throughout his 30+ year career in music education. He opened Cross Keys Junior High School in 1968 and McCluer North High School in 1971 and served as chairman of the Music Department. He made a tremendous effort to ensure every kid understood the importance of their contribution to the music, whether it was in their section, in the Symphonic Band, or in his beloved Silver Blues Dixieland band at McCluer North. Linton took special pride in designing the Marching Band shows, featuring challenging shapes, “run-on” entries, and giant Wrigley spearmint gum boxes as props. He loved staying in touch with his former students and hearing about their lives after graduation.

During his teaching career, Linton extended his conducting expertise to the Alton Municipal Band, which he led from 1979 to 2012. There, he enjoyed working with instrumentalists and vocalists from the community to bring twice weekly concerts every summer in Alton parks. He played trombone in the Alton Muny band, and tuba with the Mississippi Strutters Dixieland Band and every holiday season with Tuba Christmas. He was active in community musical theater and the Florissant Northwinds Concert band.

Linton grew up in Jackson, Missouri, graduating from Jackson High School in 1957. He played trombone in the band, which was led by one of his first conducting heroes, LeRoy Mason. Linton followed Mr. Mason to Southeast Missouri State University and graduated with a degree in Music Education and went on to the University of Missouri to complete a Master’s and Specialist’s degree in Music Education. He was the supervisor of music education students at Mizzou while earning his degrees.

He was a member of the National Educators Association, National Music Educators Association, Missouri State Teachers Association, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity of America and Sigma Phi Epsilon Social Fraternity. He served as director of Jackson Municipal Band from 1964-1966 and as faculty of the SEMO summer band camps for many years.

Linton was a loving and supportive son, husband and father, with one of the corniest senses of humor ever. He was an avid runner, then cyclist. He loved Sousa marches, Dixieland band, and Grand Lake, Colorado. But especially Dixieland.

Linton was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:

• SEMO Department of Music at https://semo.edu/giving - please designate your gift to “Other”, then specify “Department of Music / Instrumental Music Education Program”.
• Alton Municipal Band by sending a check to "Alton Municipal Band Special Fund" at Alton City Hall, Alton Municipal Band, 101 E. Third St., Alton, IL 62002
  • A donation box will be available at the memorial service

Linton's family welcomes family and friends to share special memories during the Memorial Service at 3:00pm.