Dennis “Denny” Luehder, age 85, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on June 22, 2026. Denny was born on April 8, 1941. After marrying his high school sweetheart Joyce, he entered the auto parts business. Eventually they followed their dreams of opening their own business, Den’s Auto Supply, in 1976. His passions were golf, dancing, and being with his family.
He was preceded in death by his:
- Wife of 46 years: Joyce, nee Gerhardt, Luehder
- Parents: Arnold and Olivia Luehder
- Father-In-Law and Mother-In-Law: Roland Sr. and Helen Gerhardt
- Brothers-in-law:
- Roland Gerhardt Jr.
- Howard Fritz
- Son-In-Law: Kenny Keck
- Friend: Shirley Martin.
He is survived by his:
- Daughters:
- Jill (Jeff) McGovern
- Vicki Keck
- Grandchildren:
- Chris (Katie) Keck
- Kelly (Devin Sims) Keck
- Jason (Katie) McGovern
- Great-Grandchildren:
- Lucas and Brody Keck
- Sophia McGovern
- Kenny May
- Ruby Sims
- Sister: Nancy Fritz
- Sister-In-Law: Becky Gerhardt
- Nieces and Nephews:
- Tim (Heidi Nebel) Fritz
- Angie (Brandon Peterson) Fritz
- Great-Nephews:
- Thomas Fritz
- Jonathan Fritz
- Those he loved as daughters:
- Cheryl Rockwell
- Jill Houba
Memorials: In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to BJC Hospice or the Alzheimer Association.
Visitation: Visitation from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., Saturday, June 27, 2026 at Kurrus Funeral Home in Belleville, IL.
Services: Memorial Service will be held at 12:00 p.m., Saturday, June 27, 2026 at Kurrus Funeral Home, with Rev. Doug Stewart officiating. Private family internment will be held at Valhalla Gardens of Memory, Belleville, IL.
The family would like to express their deep-felt appreciation to the staff at Revela of O’Fallon, BJC Hospice staff, and the staff at the Memorial Hospitals for their care for not only him but also our family. Also our heartfelt gratitude to Kathy Rutledge for her special care of him.
