Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, May 23, 2023 at Woodlawn Church in Columbia for Dr. Ronald Henry Luethje, 70, of Columbia, who passed away Tuesday, May 16, 2023 at Forrest General Hospital. Interment will be at Woodlawn Cemetery in Columbia. Rev. Jerron Carney will officiate the services. Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm until 9:00 pm on Monday, May 22, 2023 at Hathorn Funeral Home and from 1:00 pm until 2:00 pm on Tuesday, May 23, 2023 at Woodlawn Church.

Dr. Ronald Henry Luethje, 70, was born and raised in Washington, D.C. He attended Federal City College, before attending medical school at Howard University in Washington, D.C., and Meharry Hubbard Medical College in Nashville. While working at the Mississippi Health Center in Jackson, he met the love of his life, Brenda Irvin, who was pursuing her master's degree in molecular biology at Jackson State University. Despite the demands of their rigorous schedules, Ronald and Brenda fell deeply in love and were married on September 27, 1986. While finishing his medical studies to become a general surgeon, Dr. Luethje and his bride resided in Maryland and Tennessee. Upon completion of his surgical residency, he and his wife moved back to Brenda's hometown of Columbia, Mississippi, to begin his practice as a general surgeon and ER physician. They began raising a family, with the birth of their son, Ryan, in 1990, followed by their daughter, Ashley, in 1995.

Dr. Luethje's love for his community and the citizens of Marion County was unwavering. He worked tirelessly to ensure each and every patient and person received the best care possible. His prolific career is marked by his thoroughness and compassion, his genuine care, and his servant's heart to use his talents to save others.

Dr. Luethje was a devoted husband, father, mentor, surgeon and physician, Army veteran, and reserve police officer. Dr. Luethje joined the brotherhood of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. in 2001. He was also a mentor and role model to countless others throughout the medical profession and Columbia community. Dr. Luethje was known for his uniquely eloquent, thoughtful responses as well as his wisdom, reliability, and often sly sense of humor

He was preceded in death by his father, Harry Luethje; mother, Frances Simmons Luethje.

He is survived by his wife, Brenda Irvin Luethje; son, Ryan Luethje (Olivia); daughter, Ashley Luethje Bennett (Eric) and godson, Dustin Brumfield (Graceane).

Pallbearers will be Sgt. Daniel English, Sgt. Oved Dunaway, Officer First Class Andretta Reid, Officer First Class Justin Echols, Officer Zachary Walley, and Officer Kalob Broadway.

Hathorn Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Friends may sign an online guest register book at www.hathornfuneralhome.com