William “Bill” Lubben, 76, of Los Fresnos, TX, died on Oct. 21, 2023, at his residence surrounded by his family.
A memorial service was held on Saturday, Oct. 28, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Harlingen, TX.
Mr. Lubben was born on Oct. 8, 1947 in Farmersville, to Robert and Helma Lubben. Mr. Lubben attended the local schools and graduated from Lincolnwood High School in 1965. He then attended River Forest Concordia Teachers College and graduated in 1969 with a master of education and church music.
Mr. Lubben devoted his life to shaping young minds and nurturing the spiritual growth of his students. He served as principal and teacher in various church congregations throughout the United States including Wisconsin, Kansas, Illinois, Florida, Michigan and Missouri. Among the places he served as teacher and principal were at Zion Lutheran School in Litchfield and Zion Lutheran School in Lincoln. In addition to teaching, Mr. Lubben was an accomplished organist and often his call to teach included serving as organist and music director.
In retirement, Mr. Lubben enjoyed following the St. Louis Cardinals, fishing, RV’ing and birding where he served as a volunteer at Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge.
He is survived by his wife, Judy of Los Fresno, TX, children, son Robert (Krissa) Lubben of Edwardsville and daughter Sarah (Mike) Makuta of Morton; granddaughters Megan Makuta and Madison Makuta; stepdaughters Jackie Delling of Manchester, MO and Jessica (Matt) Fleshman of Fenton, MO; step-grandchildren Jack, Daniel and Molly Polys, LCpl John Delling U.S. Marine Corp, and Parker, Ella and Max Fleshman; sister Debby (Denny) Yard of Farmersville, sisters-in-law Kathy Elmore and Peggy (Greg) Hampton, brothers-in-law Ken (Cheri) Elmore and Mark Michael (Cindy Smith); and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Mr. Lubben was preceded in death by his parents and his late wife JoAnne Elmore Lubben.
Donations may be made in Bill's memory to: St. Paul Lutheran Church, Harlingen, Texas or The American Heart Association.
