Ellen J. Luehr

Ellen J. Luehr of Omaha, Nebraska, passed on Christmas Day, December 25, 2024, at Country House Memory Care Facility in Omaha. After an arduous battle with Alzheimer’s Disease, she is now at peace with her Lord. Memorial Services will be 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, December 28, 2024, at Apfel Funeral Home in Grand Island with Pastor Don Pobanz officiating. Visitation will be an hour prior to the start of the service. Memorials are suggested to the Alzheimer’s Association. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.apfelfuneralhome.com. 

Ellen Jean Smith was born December 15, 1943, to Elwyn and Lizzie Smith. Ellen attended many schools with her father’s military travels, finally graduating from Shelton High School in 1962. 

She married William E. Luehr on September 3, 1966, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Shelton, Nebraska. She and Bill lived in Elm Creek, Chicago, and Des Moines, before making Wood River their family home. Ellen was an active participant and served on many committees at Grace Lutheran Church with Bill. She enjoyed her bridge club, as well as many social gatherings with friends in the Wood River area. She also took pride in caring for her husband and girls’ every need, along with keeping a beautiful home. She was a wonderful cook and baker and exchanged many recipes with the ladies of the community. In the summer, gardening and planting flowers brought her joy. She and Bill enjoyed any time spent with their daughters, son-in-law and grandsons. 

Ellen is survived by her loving husband, William E. Luehr of Omaha, Nebraska; three daughters: Tonya Luehr of Aurora, Colorado, Cydney Callanan of New York, New York, and Stephanie Perry and son-in-law, Christian of Seaford, New York; two grandsons: Ronan Perry and Cillian Perry; and sister, Elaine Wiseman, of Kearney, Nebraska.

She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Michael Smith.