Luverne George Plueger Sept. 6, 1923 – Dec. 13, 2020

      Luverne George Plueger died at home on Sunday, Dec. 13, 2020. He was surrounded by his devoted wife and children.

      Luverne was born to William and Margaret Plueger on the family farm in Scotch Grove, Iowa, on Sept. 6, 1923. He married the love of his life, Anne Marie Husman on May 24, 1944. They were married 76 years and won the "the couple who has been married the longest, please stay on the dance floor" contest at every wedding reception - much to the delight of their grandchildren. Anne Marie was by his side when Luverne transitioned from this earth. Their love story is one for a poetry book. When asked what the secret to a long marriage was, Luverne always said "You just have to pick the right one." It brought them both great comfort to be together at the end.

      Luverne and Anne Marie have five children - Michael (Pat) Plueger of Anamosa, Robert (Kris) Plueger of Clarence, David (Sherri) Plueger of Monticello, Anne (Sal) Maniaci of Foothill Ranch, Calif. and Sue (Tom) Appleby of Waukee. Luverne also leaves behind 11 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Bert Harms of Iowa City and his brother-in-law and sister-in-law Jon and Donna Husman of Monticello.

      Luverne was preceeded in death by his parents, his brothers Ervin and Ray, and sisters Esther and Eloise.

      Luverne and Anne Marie instilled the values of love, kindness and hard work in their children and grandchildren and it is illustrated by the closeness of the Plueger family. Luverne was a dedicated family man and simply loved being a husband, father and grandfather. His children and grandchildren will miss him dearly.

      Luverne left country school after eighth grade to work the land of his family's Century Farm. He and his wife farmed near Scotch Grove until they retired and moved to town in 2005. Luverne loved to play cards and often stayed up late into the night playing euchre and pinochle with his children and grandkids. He enjoyed golfing at Coonhunters in Scotch Grove and he and Anne Marie were beautiful dancers - attending local dances every weekend for many years. Luverne and Anne Marie loved to travel - they visited 48 states by car. He also enjoyed fishing and attending the Great Jones County Fair. Luverne's grandkids remember fondly playing on the farm, riding Grandpa's lawnmower, driving his green pick-up truck, his tremendous whistling skills and his 10-minute power naps after lunch.

     Luverne was a member of St. Matthew Lutheran church. Pastor David Ramisch will join Anne Marie and their children and spouses for a private service at home due to COVID-19. Goettsch Funeral Home, Monticello has taken Luverne and his family into their care. Please sign the online guest book at www.goettschonline.com.