Armin Frederick Luehrs

Armin "Whitey" Luehrs, age 95, of Eden Prairie, died Friday, December 20, 2019 at his home at Summit Place Assisted Living.

Memorial Services will be held 11:00 a.m., Friday, January 31, 2020 at Wooddale Church - Edina Campus, 5532 Woodale Ave. S., Edina with Pastor Dave Donelson officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given to YMCA Camp Widjiwagan or YMCA Camp DuNord.

Armin Frederick Luehrs was born July 21, 1924 in Sheboygan, Wisconsin to Martin and Edna (Hotz) Luehrs. Whitey grew up in Sheboygan where he attended North High School, graduating with the Class of 1942. While in high school, Whitey started with the YMCA as a Hi-Y high school student and then as a summer staff member at YMCA Camp Manito-wish. He furthered his education at George Williams College graduating in 1946 with a degree in Group Work Education and Administration. Whitey then began his 40+ years of employment with the YMCA as a Camp/Community Director in Davenport, Iowa. In the 1950's he moved to Minnesota, where he worked with the St. Paul YMCA and became the Director of Camp Widjiwagan and was instrumental in focusing Widji on the small group wilderness tripping experience. He also started women’s programming during his time. On September 15, 1956, Armin was united in marriage to Virginia Ruth Lundeen at Central Free Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota. From this union of almost 60 years, they were blessed with three children. During his time as Director at Camp Widjiwagan, Whitey also established the YMCA family camp, Camp du Nord in 1961. Throughout the 1970’s and 1980’s, Whitey became an advisor and consultant for camps during hard times. He had visited over 200 YMCA camps, offering exemplary service to many. In 2013, Whitey was inducted into the YMCA National Hall of Fame. In his spare time, Whitey enjoyed woodworking, planting trees, spending time at the cabin, and visiting with family and friends.

Whitey is survived by his three children, Eric (special friend, Sharon Liners) of Crystal, Mark (Susan) of Plano, TX, and Renee (Ted) Henson of Annandale; 4 grandchildren, Tanner (Emma), Mackenzie, Alexa, and Kaci; brother, Marvin (Margie) Luehrs of Sarasota, FL; and other family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia; parents, Martin & Edna; and sisters, Carita and Harriet.

Whitey's grandchildren will serve as urn bearers. Heidi Satterberg will provide music for the service. Arrangements entrusted to Dingmann Funeral Care Burial & Cremation Services of Annandale.

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