Wilbur Henry Luhrs

With profound sorrow, we announce the passing of Wilbur ‘Bill’ Henry Luhrs, an individual known for his perpetually kind and optimistic demeanor and heartwarming smile. He passed away peacefully on July 25th, 2026 at his beloved longtime home in Demarest.

He was born to his father, Otto Luhrs, and his mother, Anna Weber, on August 5th, 1926 in Queens, New York. He grew up a New Yorker but eventually settled down in suburban New Jersey where he spent a majority of his time in Demarest, New Jersey. He lived a long life in which he worked a variety of jobs, but most notably, worked dutifully as the manager at Novel Knit in Fairview, New Jersey. He was a big supporter of both local law enforcement and local sports teams. His love for the New York sports went unmatched as he was ever excited by their games, specifically the Mets and Jets. He loved reading the local paper and was invested in learning about everything going on around him. His work ethic and attention to detail were unmatched.

He is survived by the love of his life of 38 years, Joan Wanderlingh. Her family quickly also became a part of his. His connections with her brothers Vincent (Chris) and Albert (Cheryl) became pillars in his life. He is also survived by his son, Robert, and his daughter-in-law Trish Luhrs, Salvatore Wanderlingh, and Kristen Wanderlingh-Nunez. He is also left by his grandchildren Matthew, Salvatore, Erin, Dominic, Angelina, and David and his beloved and cherished nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son William Luhrs, his brother Otto Luhrs, and his son in law, David Nunez.

His biggest joys in life truly were being able to travel around the world with Joan and his family, and to also be surrounded by those he loved. He put so much care and effort into being an active part of everyone’s lives and enjoying their presence. Everything that he did was for them. He spread joy and his care toward everyone that he met and truly left no one as a stranger as he would instantly connect with those around him. He was extraordinarily selfless and put everyone before him. He had a wonderful sense of humor, and was remarkably youthful in everything that he did. He loved his simple pleasures as well such as Snapple and Ice Cream. He was deeply admired by all of those who knew him.

He leaves behind a legacy of love and would not want us living one second with anything other than a bright outlook for the future. Join us in wishing him “so long” as he always refused to say goodbye.

The family will receive relatives and friends at the Becker Funeral Home, 219 Kinderkamack Road, Westwood, NJ 07675, US, on July 29, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm, and again on July 30, 2026, from 10:00 am to 10:45 am.

A Celebration of Life will take place at Becker Funeral Home, 219 Kinderkamack Road, Westwood, NJ 07675, US, on July 30, 2026, at 10:45 am.

Mausoleum Entombment will follow at Garden of Memories, 300 Soldier Hill Rd, Township of Washington, NJ 07676, US, on July 30, 2026, at 11:30 am.