Darvin R. Luginbuhl, 91, of Bluffton, died the morning of April 26, 2013 at his residence. He was born Dec. 29, 1921, in Bluffton to William and Fannie Steiner Luginbuhl. On May 26, 1946, he married Evelyn Johnson and she survives.
Mr. Luginbuhl taught art in the Wapakoneta Public Schools for eight years after his graduation from then Bluffton College in 1946.
During this time, he completed a Master’s Degree in Art Education, attending Ohio State University in the summers. He returned to Bluffton in 1954 and taught art in the schools there until 1959, when he joined the faculty at Bluffton College. He served in the Bluffton Art Department 26 years before his retirement in 1984.
He made art in a variety of media during and after his teaching career, with ceramic sculpture emerging as his most potent expressive voice. He was an active exhibitor in art exhibitions in Ohio.
He was an active member of First Mennonite Church throughout his life, serving the church in many capacities. For a number of years he was crafts director at Camp Friedenswald in Cassapolis, Mich. For more than 25 years, he made and sold pottery at Mennonite Relief Sales in Kidron, Ohio; Goshen, Ind.; and, Peoria, Ill. He served on the board of the Swiss Historical Society. He was an avid gardener throughout his life, and a member of the Garden Club. Photography was a lifelong avocation. He also cultivated interests in writing and storytelling.
Also surviving are two sons, Greg (Karen) Luginbuhl of Bluffton, Bill Luginbuhl of Chicago, five grandchildren, Alison (Kevin) King of Bluffton, Ben, Ashley, Kristin and Kathryn Luginbuhl all of Portland Ore., and a great granddaughter, Milena King. A sister, Marcille Habegger, preceded him in death.
A memorial services will begin at 11 a.m. Friday at First Mennonite Church, Bluffton. Rev. Steven J. Yoder and Rev. Louise Wideman will officiate. Burial will be in Maple Grove Cemetery, Bluffton prior to the service. Visitation will be from 9:30 – 11 a.m. Friday at the church.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Luginbuhl Family Scholarship at Bluffton University or First Mennonite Church. Online condolences may be expressed at www.chiles-lamanfh.com. Arrangement are by Chiles-Laman Funeral and Cremation Services, Bluffton.
