Dr. Ronald Henry Luethje
70, Columbia
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, they fell deeply in love and were married on Sept. 27, 1986. While finishing his medical studies to become a general surgeon, he 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 to begin his practice as a general surgeon and emergency room physician. They began raising a family, with the birth of their son, Ryan, in 1990, followed by their daughter, Ashley, in 1995.
As a surgeon and emergency room physician, he spent most of his career at Marion General Hospital in Columbia, where he dedicated his life to serving and caring for his beloved community. Dr. Luethje, wanting to serve his community even more, graduated from the reserve police academy and became a sworn police officer with the Columbia Police Department in 2000. He had countless certifications through both his medical and law enforcement careers. Demonstrating his range of expertise, Dr. Luethje was an Instructor for the American College of Surgeons’ “Stop the Bleed” Program as well as a Certified Trainer for Civilian Responses to Active Shooter Events. Aside from his work as a surgeon, physician and officer with the Columbia Police Department, he also found time to expand his service to the community as a school board member for the Columbia School District.
His 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.
After retiring as a general surgeon, he continued his work as an emergency room physician, contracted to various emergencies departments throughout the state of Mississippi before ultimately retiring from the VA hospital in Jackson, where he worked diligently in the emergency room to help his fellow military veterans during the Covid-19 pandemic.
He was a devoted husband, father, mentor, surgeon and physician, Army veteran, and reserve police officer. He 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. He was known for his uniquely eloquent, thoughtful responses as well as his wisdom, reliability, and often sly sense of humor.
Throughout his distinguished life and career, he earned a plethora of awards and honors in every area of life he directed his attention toward. Demonstrating his broad expertise, he won first prize awards in both the Department of Surgery and the Department of Psychiatry as well as awards in the Department of Pediatrics and Department of Internal Medicine while attending the Howard University College of Medicine. He was also inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society.
During his career, he continued to earn widespread recognition and respect. While serving in the U.S. Army as an Instructor in Combat Casualty Care, he was awarded a Letter of Commendation in 1987. He also served on the Board of Directors for the Mississippi Medical and Surgical Association. In 2000, he was selected as a Hall of Fame Honoree by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. In 2013, the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., bestowed him with the Kennard Washington Man of Distinction Award.
He was preceded in death by his father, Harry Luethje, and mother, Frances Simmons Luethje.
Survivors include his wife, Brenda Irvin Luethje of Columbia; son, Ryan Luethje (Olivia) of Hattiesburg; daughter, Ashley Luethje-Bennett (Eric) of Jackson; and godson, Dustin Brumfield (Graceane) of Columbia.
Friends may sign an online guest register book at www.hathornfuneralhome.com. Hathorn Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
