Richard D. (Toofer) Luthe, 66, of Lansing, Minn., died on Thursday, Dec. 15, 2011, at his home in Lansing.

Richard was born Aug. 20, 1945, in Austin, the son of Albert and Beulah (Quam) Luthe. He graduated from Austin High School in 1963 and served in the U.S. Navy. Following his service in the Navy, he attended NIACC in Mason City, Iowa. Richard was married to Delaine Reynolds on Oct. 10, 1966 in Austin. They resided in Manly, Iowa where he worked as a switchman for the Union Pacific Railroad. In 2001, they moved to Lansing, Minn.

Richard was preceded in death by his grandparents, father Albert, a sister and a brother.

He is survived by his wife, Delaine Luthe, Lansing, Minn.; daughter and son-in-law: The Reverend Amelia Houdek and husband Chris of Andover, Minn.; son and daughter-in-law: Eric and Jennifer Luthe, Lewisville, Texas; grandchildren: Tyler Luthe, Nicholas Luthe, Rebecca Luthe, Xander Houdek and Noah Houdek; mother: Beulah Luthe, Austin; brother and sister-in-law: Robb and Rita Luthe, Brownsdale; sisters and brothers-in-law: Kathy and Harold Paine, Lansing, Minn.; Patty and Cliff Bailey, Lansing, Minn.; Barb and Paul Miller, Sandy and Earl Davis, Austin; nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2011 at the Clasen-Jordan Mortuary Chapel with the Reverend Amy Teske officiating. Friends may greet the family for one hour before the service on Wednesday.