Robert "Bob" Alvin Luchterhand

Robert "Bob" Luchterhand, 93, of Granton, WI, went to his eternal home on Thursday, March 12, 2015, at the home of his son, daughter-in-law and grandson. He died from heart failure. Robert Alvin Luchterhand was born January 22, 1922, at the home farm near Spokeville, close to Loyal, WI. He attended a one-room schoolhouse at Spokeville and completed eighth grade, then helped on the family farm until he enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1942.He served as an anti-aircraft machine gunner during World War II, landed on Normandy Beach on D Day, fought in the Battle of the Bulge and two other battles. At the end of the war, he guarded several captured Nazi officials, such as Rudolph Hess, as they were housed in defeated Germany. He was honorably discharged from service as a private first class on December 18, 1945.He was married to Lenore H. Widmann on February 7, 1948, at Christ Lutheran Church in Marshfield, WI. They built a house in Marshfield, WI, and worked at Badger Store fixtures as a carpenter. Purchasing a dairy farm in the Town of Sherman, Clark County, Robert and Lenore gave birth to and raised three children. They continued farming until they sold the farm in 1976.After retiring from farming, he worked as a carpenter at Sav-Rite Builder Supply. In 1978, he and his son, Ken, started a Yamaha motorcycle and snowmobile shop in rural Granton, and continued that business until 1985.Robert loved hunting and was an avid hunter and fisherman, and he enjoyed hunting in Wisconsin, as well as taking trips to Alaska, Wyoming and Colorado for big-game hunting.His passion also included his dedication to the American Legion and VFW in Neillsville. He was honored with a special ceremony by the American Legion on September 1, 2014, for his duty to the country during World War II. He also enjoyed spending time at the Sportsman Club meetings in Granton and the Senior Citizens Club in Chili. He was widely known for his skill in baking cakes.Robert is survived by his children, Ken (Joanna) Luchterhand of Melrose, WI, a daughter, Melody (Kim) Williamson of Pine River, WI and a daughter-in-law, Joyce Luchterhand of Eau Claire, WI, four grandchildren, Lisa Phillips, Lori (Michael) Schwichtenberg, Nicole (Dean) Dvorak and Kennan Luchterhand, six great grandchildren, Courtney, Morgan, Abigail, Elizabeth, Joshua, and Finley and two great great grandchildren, Owen and Aubrey. He is further survived by a brother, Melvin (Ruth) Luchterhand of Loyal, WI and a sister, Doreen (Don) Schmidtke of Odebolt, IA.He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Lenore; son, Tom; granddaughter Julia; son-in-law Glen; and brothers Gerald and Orville.A Funeral Service will be held for Robert at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, March 17, 2015 at Christ Lutheran Church in Marshfield. Pastor Daryn Bahn will officiate. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, March 16, 2015 at the Gesche Funeral Home in Neillsville and also Tuesday morning from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. before the service at the church. Interment will be in the Town of Grant Cemetery with full military rites accorded by the Neillsville Veteran's Council.Online Condolences may be made at www.geschefh.com. The Gesche Funeral Home is assisting Robert's family with Funeral arrangements.Funeral Home:Gesche Funeral Home4 South Grand AvenueNeillsville, WIUS 54456