Pamela “Pam” Luetjen, 80, passed away on October 22nd at Kavanaugh House in Des Moines, IA.
Pam was a caring wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and friend. She was born in Poughkeepsie, NY on July 6, 1942 to Robert and Gladys Sanders. Pam lived in New York, New Jersey, and Illinois during her childhood, but spent her adult life in Des Moines, IA.
While studying at Drake University, Pam met and married Henry Luetjen. During 59 years of marriage, Pam and Henry raised and loved four children, six grandchildren, and many four legged friends. Pam was a working mother becoming a department supervisor and an assistant store manager at Younkers then later running her own small business, Long Ago Antiques, where she made many friends traveling throughout the midwest participating in antique shows. Pam enjoyed traveling, refinishing furniture, and spending time with her family. She found beauty in all, even down to old broken furniture. She cherished a day at the salon where she would be pampered by her daughter.
Pam will be missed by her husband, Henry “Hank” Luetjen, children John (Polly) Luetjen, Leslee Luetjen, Todd Luetjen, Elizabeth (Jason) Huizenga; her grandchildren Zach and Mason Luetjen, Reagan and Riley Hoffman, Brooke and Jenna Huizenga; and her sister Marilyn Novotny and sister-in-law Patricia Sanders.
Pam is preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Robert Sanders. Per Pam’s wishes she was cremated and a private family service will be held at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Kavanaugh House.