Robert Luchtefeld

Robert “Bob” V. Luchtefeld, 78 of Mt. Zion, passed away on Monday, September 28, 2026, at Springfield Memorial Hospital surrounded by family and close friends. He was born on December 25, 1947, in Effingham, the son of Robert B. and Helen E. (Kenter) Luchtefeld. He married his loving wife Patty Manuel on January 3, 1970, in Effingham. Bob proudly served in the United States Air Force before earning a bachelor’s degree from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale. He worked for many years for the Railroad Retirement Board, retiring as manager for the Joliet office.
Bob loved spending time with his family and enjoying time in nature. He was the head gardener at the Luchtefeld estate for many years. One of Bob’s favorite titles was Grandpa to Lawton. His family and friends will miss his immense kindness, his warm spirit and his amazing baked goods–especially his pies and the cheesecake. Bob also loved reading, taking naps and getting beaten by Patty in Scrabble.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years: Patty Luchtefeld of Mt. Zion; children: Katie Eytchison (Rob) of Decatur and Benjamin Luchtefeld (Samantha) of Champaign; grandson: Lawton Eytchison; siblings: Barbara Hopgood of Springfield, Karen Locke (Don) of Redlands, California, and Janet McClure (Mike) of Taylorville; and several cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.
His family will host an open house celebration of life on November 14th from 2-5pm at Rock Springs Nature Center in Decatur. McClure Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Taylorville is assisting the family with arrangements.