INDEPENDENCE – Nikolaus J. Luebbers, 85 years old, of rural Independence, died on Monday, Nov. 21, at Covenant Medical Center in Waterloo. He was born on January 7, 1931, in Diele, Germany, the son of Heinrich and Adelheid (Luebbers) Luebbers. He attended school in Germany. In 1951, he immigrated to this country and lived in Ackley. On Feb. 23, 1957, he and the former Elizabeth Thekla Roskam were married in Geneva. They moved to Buchanan County and began farming near Independence. Mr. Luebbers never really retired. He did find time to play polkas on his accordion. He was a member of St. John's Catholic Church in Independence and the Farm Bureau.Mr. Luebbers is survived by his wife of almost 60 years, Elizabeth; a daughter, Sue (Mike) Capp of Madison, Wis.; and a son, Bill Luebbers of Independence.He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters: Helen and Johanna; and a brother, Gerhart. Memorial Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 26, at St. John's Catholic Church in Independence. Rev. David Beckman will be the Celebrant. Burial will be in St. John's Cemetery in Independence. Friends may call for visitation from 4 until 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 25, at the White Funeral Home in Independence. On line condolences may be left at www.White-MtHope.com.