Elmer "Pete" Luetkenhaus of Josephville, Missouri, passed away on August 2, 2026, at the age of 90.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Marilyn Luetkenhaus (nee: Jenkins), of Wentzville; two sons, Bill (Patti) Luetkenhaus and John (Jill) Luetkenhaus, both of Josephville; two daughters, Marsha (Brad) Perotti and Mary (Ed) Templeton, both of Josephville; two brothers-in-law, Robert (Florence) Jenkins and David Jenkins; sister-in-law, Donna Fortner; grandchildren, Daniel (Haley), Ashley (Ray), Megan (Tyler), Curtis, Drew, Katie (Brad), Josh, Andrew (Alison), Matt (Paige), and Lauren (Levi); and eleven great-grandchildren.He was preceded in death by his father, Leo Luetkenhaus; his mother, Clara Luetkenhaus (née Duello); his brother, Ben Luetkenhaus (Ginny); his brother, Moon Luetkenhaus; his brother, Shorty Luetkenhaus (Jean); his sister, Agnes Koehler (Don); his sister, Liz Fischer (Don); his sister, Patty Zimmer (Paul); and his brother-in-law, Keith Fortner.
Pete was united in marriage to the love of his life, Marilyn, in August 1961. Together, they shared a loving, devoted marriage of 65 years.
Pete was a member of St. Joseph Church in Josephville, where his deep faith in God guided every aspect of his life. His faith was one of his greatest gifts, and he took great pride in passing his love for God and strong Christian values on to his children and family.
A well-known and respected member of the Wentzville community, Pete was the proud owner of Pete's Drive-In in Wentzville for 60 years, where generations of families gathered, and countless friendships were made. He was also a member of the Wentzville Downtown Business Association and a lifetime supporter of many community organizations throughout the Wentzville area. Pete was a lifelong supporter of 4-H and the St. Charles County Fair, giving generously of his time and resources to causes that strengthened his community.
Pete's generosity was evident in his many years of supporting the Boys Town Annual Wagon Train, faithfully providing meals for the boys and girls as they traveled through Wentzville on their journey to the St. Louis Arch. His dedication to the community earned him many honors, including serving as Grand Marshal of the Fourth of July Parade, receiving the Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Service Award, the Friends of 4-H Award, the Wentzville Native Award, the John Knoll Friend of the Fair Award, and being named Honorary Trail Boss for the Boys Town Wagon Train.
Pete was also one of the original organizers and fundraisers for the large American flag that proudly welcomes visitors to downtown Wentzville, a project that reflected his deep respect, appreciation, and gratitude for the men and women who have served our country.
Above all else, Pete cherished his family. He loved spending time with those he held dear, treasured the friendships he made throughout his life, and took great pride in serving the community he loved so deeply. His kindness, generosity, faith, and warm spirit touched countless lives and left a legacy that will continue for generations.
Pete will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him, but his example of faith, service, compassion, and love will forever remain in the hearts of his family, friends, and community.
Visitation: Friday, August 7, from 12:30 to 7 p.m. at Pitman Funeral Home, 1545 Wentzville Parkway, Wentzville, MO 63385.
Funeral Service: Saturday, August 8, at 10 a.m at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1390 Josephville Road, Josephville, MO 63385.
Memorials: Alzheimer's Association, The American Heart Association, or Masses in care of Pitman Funeral Home, 1545 Wentzville Parkway, Wentzville, Missouri 63385.