Francis "Fritz" Luebbert, age 89, of Meta, passed away on Sunday, April 3, 2016, at Adam's Street Place in Jefferson City. He was born in Meta on November 20, 1926, son of the late Stephen and Christine (Schanzmeyer) Luebbert. On February 4, 1950, at St. Cecilia Catholic Church, Fritz married the love of his life, Margie Luetkemeyer, who survives at the home. They celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary on February 4, 2016.

Fritz began his high school career at St. Peters in Jefferson City, where he played football and developed his love for the sport, later attending Meta High School. He served during WWII in Europe in the United States Army from August 7, 1945, until his honorable discharge on February 6, 1947.

After the war, Fritz was employed as a lineman for over 40 years at several locations including Western Power and Light, Missouri Power and Light, Union Electric, and Ameren. After he retired, Fritz drove a kindergarten school bus for Fatima school.

He was a member of the VFW, Argyle American Legion, St. Cecilia Choir and St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Meta.

Fritz was a faithful blood donor to the Amercian Red Cross, giving hundreds of units. He loved all sports, but was an avid St. Louis Cardinal fan, never missing a game on the radio. Fritz was always happiest being in his shed and being in his yard in Meta.

In addition to his loving wife, Margie, he is also survived by four children: Kathy Robertson and husband Glenn of Loose Creek, Steven Luebbert and wife Andrea of Webster Groves, Mark Luebbert and wife Kim of Loose Creek, Kris Stegeman and husband Danny of Folk; 11 grandchildren, Julie Brandt (Steve), Jon Robertson (Cindy), Ryan Robertson (Marla), Matt Robertson (Erica) all of Loose Creek, Stephen Luebbert (Melissa) of Warson Woods, Alex Luebbert (Meghan) of Nashville, TN, Katie Luebbert and fiancé Ian Byrd of Chicago, Tyler Luebbert and fiancé Gretchen Appelbaum of St. Charles, Connor Luebbert of Cape Girardeau, and Regina and Dani Stegeman of Folk; 17 great-grandchildren; and one sister, Marie Bacon of St. Louis.

He was preceded in death by an infant granddaughter, Maggie Brandt; two brothers, Raymond and Henry Luebbert; and three sisters, Florence Fischer, Dorothy Donehue, and Clara Lock.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 6, at St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Meta. Rev. Jeremy Secrist will officiate. Interment with military honors will be in St. Cecilia Cemetery in Meta.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m., with a prayer service held at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, April 5, at the church.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions are suggested to St. Cecilia Church or to a charity of donor's choice.