Bio: Luchterhand – William/Caroline Family (13 Sep 1975)

Transcriber: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Luchterhand, Gillis, Magee, Falk, Grover, Sufficool, Bitney, Berg, Fink, Herdrich, Hoeser, Skriver, New

----Source: Tribune/Record/Gleaner (Loyal, Wis.) 17 Sep 1975

The first family reunion of the descendants of William and Caroline Luchterhand, early settlers of the Loyal (Clark Co., Wis.) area, was held September 14, 1975 in the Trinity Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall.

William Luchterhand followed his wife and parents to the United States in 1864. In 1870 he and his family came to the Loyal area and settled on what is now the Ronald Hoeser farm. He was among the founders of Trinity Lutheran Church, and is buried with his wife and parents in the Lutheran Cemetery north of Loyal.

His brother, Karl, also came to this country and was the father of the late John Luchterhand, who farmed in this are for many years.

There were eleven children in the original family, all are deceased and two of them had no family. Families of the other nine children were represented.

As we were about to enjoy a 12 o'clock potluck dinner, we received a long distance phone call from a cousin, Mrs. Lucille Skriver of El Segundo, California., extending good wishes to all present.

The group sand "America the Beautiful," with Mary Luchterhand leading. We were then honored by Louise Luchterhand reciting the German Table Prayer that our grandfather used before every meal. Louise then translated it into English so it coule be understood by our younger people.

Later, each cousin introduced himself, also telling what his relationship as to the original party. There were about 75 guests present. We were honored to have with us, Louise Luchterhand, Washington, Iowa, the daughter of Julius Luchterhand, who was the oldest of the original family. Also Mrs. Elva Gillis, Victoria, B.C., Canada, the daughter of Minnie Magee, who was the second oldest of the Luchterhands, and her daughter, Mrs. Una Rae, New, Toronto, Ontario.

Other guests present were Elmer Luchterhand, Scarsdale, New York, Mr. and Mrs. Harold Falk, Dixon, Illinois, Dorothy Grover and Mr. and Mrs. William Sufficool, Minneapolis, Minnesota, Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Bitney, La Crosse, Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Berg and Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Fink, Bloomer, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Fink, Bloomer, and many rleatives from Marshfield, Neillsville, Auburndale, Arpin, Granton, Unity, Spencer, and Loyal.

The afternoon as spent in visiting and reminiscing old times. Plans were made for another reunion for the second Sunday in September of 1976. The following committee were to make arrangements – Emil Luchterhand, Garth Luchterhand, Elsie Herdrich, and Lenore Luchterhand.

Preceding the evening meal, the Doxology was sung in unison. The day was a happy one for all, and everyone will be looking forward to our next gathering.