Obituary

Luetta Millheim

March 7, 1930 - September 25, 2023

Luetta Marie Millheim, 93, of Hickman, NE, passed away on September 25, 2023. She was born on March 7, 1930, in Stapleton, NE, to Louis and Bertha (Williams) Bayne. Her first passion was serving the Lord which was displayed by being a missionary to children with BCM International, her work as a nurse for Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital, and her love of being a mother to many.

As the story goes, she was stubborn from the start! At birth she didn’t want to breathe, so they dunked her in ice water from the well.  She finally gave in and started breathing!  That stubbornness has served her well through the years.

Two weeks before graduation she met Ken at Moody Bible Institute.  They were married on August 7, 1953.

They both had a heart for missions.  They originally thought they would be going to Africa, so Luetta went to Biola University where she got a degree in Missionary Medicine and received an LPN nursing degree.   After Luetta and her daughter Karen where in a serious accident, it was clear that God was going to keep them in the United States.

Their heart for ministry led them to  California, Nebraska, and Texas during the early years of marriage where Ken pastored churches.   They began to work with children through Child Evangelism Fellowship and were asked to move to St. Louis in 1972 to lead the program, where she remained until the last 7 years.  They later went to work with BCM International – another children-focused ministry.  Their passion for pouring into children’s lives was seen in many Christian camps, kids Bible clubs, and Sunday School programs, including everything from flannel graphs and puppet shows to music and games.

Children were very much a part of Luetta’s life.   They began taking foster children early in their marriage and their first foster child was Clarence, who they adopted as their oldest son.  Through the years they fostered over 40 children, and their family became complete with 9 children – some born under the heart, others born in the heart.  As Ken’s health declined in their early 50’s Luetta went back to work as a nurse, at, of course, a Children’s hospital. In a household full of children, there wasn’t a lot of downtime, but a home overflowing with love.

Luetta was a woman of many talents and a “can do” attitude.  Her talents included, but were not limited to; tile setting, forestry, auto mechanics, and concrete sculpting/repair. Sometimes it drove her children crazy!  But she certainly was willing to try just about anything. Very few mothers are found turning wrenches on malfunctioning motorhomes so her kids could have adventures and memories that last a lifetime.

She was a country girl at heart.  She always loved being around horses and open spaces.  She loved to share about times growing up on the family farm.  She loved playing the piano, drawing and painting, cross-stitching and quilting, reading her Bible, and sharing Jesus with anyone who would listen.

Luetta’s love of the Lord was an example to her children.   She was instrumental in leading several to the Lord. She showed an example of an amazing prayer life and the power of prayer.  She studied God’s word with a hunger to learn.   Even in her later years as her memory faded, reading her Bible daily was a must.

God had a purpose for the many years He gave her.  Though it was difficult at times with her dementia she continued to show care and compassion to others around her and was happy to just sit with the family around.  Even near the end, at a care facility, when one of the ladies fell, they found Luetta in her room with her Bible and when asked, she said she was praying for the lady that fell.

Luetta is survived by her children Beth (Eric) Malina, David (Laura) Millheim, Daniel (Melissa) Millheim, Dominic (Heather) Millheim, Latoya (Josiah) Blackwelder, Stephen Millheim, and Timothy Millheim; daughter in law Connie Milheim; grandchildren Victoria (Caleb) Berggren, Sarah (Ashton) Krogman, Katherine Malina, Andrew Koetters, Hannah (Kaleb) Chase, Josiah Millheim, Eliska Millheim, Michael Millheim, Savannah Millheim, Benjamin Millheim, Talia Millheim, Zachary (Emmalee) Millheim, Noah Millheim, Isabelle Blackwelder, Josiah Blackwelder, Aaron Millheim, Audrey (Mark) Gieseke; great grandchildren Jaelynn and Danika Gieseke; and sister Elaine Thomas.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Kenneth, her children Clarence and Karen Millheim, as well as two sisters; Gertrude and Norrine Stewart and two brothers; Merrill and Jean Stewart, and much-loved in-laws.

A graveside burial service will be held at 1:15 PM on Thursday, September 28, 2023 at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, 2900 Sheridan Rd., 63125, in St. Louis, MO.

Memorials to BCM International, P.O. Box 318, E. Peterburg, PA, 17520, or the family for future designation.

Share a Memory or Condolence

September 27, 2023

Consistently tireless in ministry. An amazing woman! I know she is rejoicing with her Savior, and can only imagine her continued joy as she is shown all of the young lives she touched. My deepest sympathies to each one of you who knew her better than I did.

– Mele L. Manning
September 27, 2023

What a Great Tribute to her memory. I’m so sorry I can’t make the funeral, but my thoughts and prayers will be with you all. Beth, you have been a rock during these past few years, taking care of mom & smiling through all that you & your family have endured. May God continue to Bless you & yours. Love as always, Connie

– Connie Millheim

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