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Robert Lee Luetge, a well-known horse trainer and sculptor, went to be with his Lord on November 19, 2023.

Robert was born on June 29, 1936, in Brenham, Texas, the oldest son of Dennis and Lula Luetge. Dennis and Lula made their home on a ranch in Washington County, and it was there Robert developed a deep passion for horses at age 12.

When it was time to leave home, he worked at a local service station and painted houses for a living.

On September 27, 1959, Robert married the love of his life, Glynne Nell Heidemann, affectionately known as "Meme". He had a story to tell if you were ever around for just a few minutes, how they met, and how much he loved and cherished her.

Robert had enough of the big city and returned to what he loved to do – horses. He worked for several ranches in Brenham, where he met Hank Leo. Leo was a "one of a kind" one-in-a-million stallion. What a pleasure and opportunity to train such an animal. Robert bought Leo and moved to Waller, Texas, where he accepted a job running a ranch outside of town in the Field Store Community.

Ole Hank didn't disappoint. People came from all over for one of his sired offsprings. Although ranching was hard and demanding, they raised three children, made close friendships, and were active in the Lutheran Church.

Robert bought property in Hempstead with just enough room to erect an arena and several horse barns. It was a dream come true; he would finish his career and retire there. Now he had time tell stories about all the mischief he and his buddies got into – Jeff, James, Darrell, Cowboy, to mention a few.

He continued to ride a little, shoe a few horses, and started sculpting. He finished a calf roper and a range branding scene, among many pieces he started. He had a natural gift, a God-given talent. He loved to whittle, paint, and draw, everything he learned was self-taught.

Robert loved the Lord and never met a stranger. He was very passionate about sharing his testimony. He would hold up his hand, point his finger that had seen its fair share of the "cowboy way of life," and ask, "Do you know the Lord!" It didn't matter where he was; he had no problem asking. "Do you know Him!"

Robert was baptized into Christ as a child at the Lutheran Church in New Wehdem and is currently a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Hempstead, Texas.

Robert is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Glynne Nell; daughter and son-in-law, Cheryl and Larry Townsend; daughter, Donna Land; son and daughter-in-law, Dennis and Kelli Luetge; grandchildren, Jeannie Jennings, Bryan (Mary) Townsend and Lane Luetge; greatgrandchildren, Paris, Landon, and Taylor Jennings; Sister, Bonnie (Elroy) Wellmann; Brothers-in-law, Fred (Karan) Heidemann and Jack Heidemann; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dennis and Lula Luetge; brother, Larry Luetge; sister, Dolly (Gerald) Krause; Father-in-law, Herbert Heidemann; Mother-in-law, Mildred Seale Heidemann; sister-in-law, Judy Heidemann McEvoy.

The family welcomes friends and loved ones to the Visitation Saturday, November 25, 2023, from 10 – 11 am. Funeral Services to follow at 11 am at Trinity Lutheran Church with Darrin Trammell officiating.  Interment will follow at Prairie Lea Cemetery, Brenham, Texas.

In lieu of flowers donation can be made to the American Heart Association - www.heart.org or Trinity Lutheran Church - www.trinityhempstead.org

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