Robert H. Luerding

Memorial contributions may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Music Fund. Robert Herman Edward Luerding, son of Almont and Margaret (nee: Plackemeier) Luerding, grandson of Herman and Alwina (nee: Heitgerd) Luerding and Johann and Katharina (nee: Muenke) Plackemeier, was born January 22, 1923 in St. Charles, Missouri. He was baptized at Immanuel Lutheran Church. He attended Immanuel Lutheran School, graduating in 1936 and was confirmed that year. His confirmation verse was Romans 1:16: ''I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth.'' He graduated from St. Charles High School in 1940, enlisted in the U.S.N. Seabees in 1942, and was admitted to Officers Candidate Training Program at Dartmouth College, Hanover, N.H. in 1943 graduating in 1946 as an Ensign, with a masters degree in Business Administration. He worked for several organizations as an Industrial Engineer, and spent over thirty-six years with Lee-Rowan Co., a St. Louis manufacturing firm, from which he retired as Executive Vice President and Board Member in 1989. He served three terms as a Director of the American Association of Industrial Management, of the greater St. Louis area, and also served twelve years as a member of the Board of Education of the City of St. Charles School District. In 1947 he married Shirley Bizelli, who preceded him in death in 1992. Their marriage produced five children, Lori Luerding-Collins, Gregory, Jeffrey, Todd and Gina Luerding-Looten. They were blessed with ten grandchildren before the death of Shirley Luerding; four more have arrived since her sudden death. Mr. Luerding was an active member of Immanuel, having served as Sunday School Teacher, Usher, Recording Secretary, Church Orchestra and Choir Member. He participataed in Bible Study groups and served on various committees during his life-long membership. He was most gratified to have been a member of the Organ Committee in 1959, whose work culminated in the installation of the beautiful pipe organ which now graces Immanuel's sanctuary to the everlasting glory of God. During his retirement years he served as a tutor in Immanuel's OASIS Intergenerational Tutoring Program and as a consultant in the Volunteer Money Management Program of Lutheran Senior Services.