Loren Luth

It is with the deepest sadness that we announce the passing of Loren Luth, age 78, of Hancock, Iowa. Loren peacefully entered Heaven on Friday, March 21, 2025, surrounded by his loving family at Jenny Edmondson Hospital.

Loren was born on June 14, 1946 to Ellen and Ernest Luth of Walnut, Iowa. He graduated high school in Walnut, Iowa. A natural-born athlete, Loren excelled in football and track. He attended Northwest Missouri State until he voluntarily enlisted in the United States Army. A decorated Vietnam Veteran, earning three Purple Hearts, two bronze stars, and a Valor and Silver Star. He served in the 25th Infantry Division "Tropic Lightening" Combined Reconnaissance Intelligence Platoon (CRIPS) and upon returning to the States, he served in the 10th Mountain Division in Colorado, his favorite duty at this time was ski instruction, which fostered Loren's love for skiing he'd pass onto his children and grandchildren. Exiting service, he was an active member of the American Legion. Proud projects include heading the 2008 community veteran project honoring Iowa's veterans, "Call of Honor Monument" in Memorial Park in Hancock, Iowa.

After service, he graduated from the University of Iowa in finance, where he met his future wife Nicki Byram. They raised four children together on his family farm in Hancock. Loren found home and purpose in farming.

Loren loved spending time with friends. He was a member of the Fish and Game Club at Lake Manawa. For years he enjoyed meeting for breakfast with his friends at No Frills and Main Street Cafe and called themselves "the Breakfast Bunch". These last few months, before and after brain surgery, Loren made a point to host countless parties open to all, writing letters to everyone: celebrating life and sharing stories and laughs with his friends. If he wasn't a farmer, Loren would likely have been a very successful party planner!

He loved history, discussing politics and the arts, including theater, classical concerts and musicals. He coached and reffed youth soccer teams for many years. For years it was a family tradition to go to Creighton Soccer games with family and friends. Loren Luth was a man of generosity and exceptional character. He was involved in the community with countless social and environmental causes including conservation efforts, National Parks, local charities and Food Banks. Loren lived out his belief that a life well-lived was one where he was of service to others. On Earth, Loren exemplified the qualities of Jesus for the sake of others. On the day of his passing, Loren went home to Jesus, reunited with his parents Ernest and Ellen (Wulff) Luth of Walnut, son Colin Luth of Hancock, and countless friends, neighbors and relatives who have gone before him.

Loren is survived by his sister, Iris Luth-McMullen (Terry) of Littleton, Colorado, son John Luth (Brandy) of Walnut, daughter Chelsea Luth of Council Bluffs and son Kevin Luth. Loren delighted in the presence of his grandchildren, Adriawna, Jaden, MaryEllen, Sophia and Eliza Luth of Walnut, Rebekah, Hadley and Magnolia Frederick of Council Bluffs and Shaay and Leif Purdy of Alabama.

Services will take place at Hoy Kilnoski Funeral Home in Council Bluffs. A visitation with the family will be held Thursday March 27, 2025 from 5:00-7:00 pm where we invite you to bring your favorite written story of Loren to be compiled later. A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, March 28, 2025 at 3:00 pm with an early dinner to follow. Loren loved a party, so we invite you to join us while we celebrate, cherish and remember this remarkable man.

In memory of Loren, the family requests contributions to be made to funding National Parks, Glioblastoma Research or other local charities. One of Loren's favorite things was giving fresh flowers, especially ones as "reasonably priced" as his favorite florists at Super Saver in Council Bluffs.