Luke Letzring, 40, of Oskaloosa, passed away Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at the University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City, Iowa.
Luke Russell Letzring, son of Thomas and Mardi (Schwichtenberg) Letzring, was born on July 20, 1986, in Memphis, Tennessee.
As a young boy, Luke’s family moved to Hanover, Iowa, to be closer to relatives, settling just seven miles from his grandparents. He attended Alta High School, where he was a member of the Cyclones basketball team.
While in high school, Luke noticed a young woman named Melissa Hoye performing in a school play. In his words, “It was love at first sight.” Not long afterward, he asked Melissa out to dinner, and they shared their first date at Godfather’s Pizza. From that day forward, they were inseparable.
Luke continued his education at William Penn University, where he was recruited to play basketball for the Statesmen. Luke was a three-year starter from 2006 – 2008. During his basketball career, he was part of the team that won three regular-season conference championships and the conference tournament championships and held a conference regular-season record of 36-8. Most importantly, he never lost to Grand View, and famously, he dunked the TP Game basket three years in a row. Luke earned a bachelor’s degree in Sports Administration and later completed a master’s degree in Business Leadership. Although Melissa attended Simpson College, the two remained devoted to one another throughout their college years. On August 8, 2009, Luke and Melissa were united in marriage in Hanover, Iowa.
Together they were blessed with two children, Margot and Jericho. Of all the roles Luke held throughout his life, being “Husband and Father” were the ones he cherished most.
Following college, Luke began his career at William Penn University, serving in several roles, including Assistant Director and later Director of the Penn Activities Center (PAC). He later joined Fareway Stores, where he worked in the meat department. Luke truly enjoyed serving customers and valued the friendships he made with both coworkers and the people he met each day, including Brian, Sam, Kyhdin, Jayden, Treyton, Kelsey, Aaron, Hunter, Alan, Jessica, Norm, and many other great friends.
Luke found joy in many things. He loved playing and watching basketball, solving puzzles, reading, gardening, listening to music, and playing video games with his children. More than any hobby or pastime, however, Luke treasured time spent with family and friends. His greatest happiness came from being with Melissa, Margot, and Jericho.
Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife, Melissa; his children, Margot and Jericho; his parents, Tom and Mardi Letzring of Hanover, Iowa; his brothers, Zach (Jacklyn) Letzring of Oelwein, Iowa, and their children, Nile, McLain, Harper, and Loretta; Jordan Letzring of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and his children, Eve, Rainn and Elle; and Titus (Kaitlyn) Letzring of Oskaloosa, Iowa, and their son, Beckham.
He is also survived by his brothers-in-law, Paul (Jill) Hoye of Fairmont, Minnesota, and their children, Taylor, Kaleb, Josiah, and Adelyn; and Keith (Nicole) Hoye of Swea City, Iowa, and their children, Cooper and Samantha; along with many cherished aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends.
Funeral services for Luke will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, August 3, 2026, at St. John Lutheran Church in Oskaloosa. Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m. Sunday, August 2, 2026, at Langkamp Funeral Chapel with the family present from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. to greet relatives and friends. Burial will be at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 4, 2026, in Hanover, Iowa, at St. John Lutheran Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Melissa Letzring, who will disperse the funds to a few of Luke’s favorite organizations.
