Luverne L. Lueck

Mankato Mortuary 1001 N. Riverfront Drive Mankato, MN 56001 Luverne Leslie Lueck joined his Lord and Savior on Sunday, May 31, 2015. He was born to Marie and Leslie Lueck on August 22, 1933 in Waseca County, Minnesota. In high school, Luverne joined the National Guard. His senior year he joined the army, graduating from Mankato High School in 1951 while stationed in Camp Rucker, Alabama until 1952. He was united in marriage to Norma Schweim on October 24, 1953 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Mankato, Minnesota. They raised their four children in Mankato and ensured that each were given a Christian education. He was a devoted member of Immanuel Lutheran Church for over 70 years. Luverne retired from Minnegasco with 31 years of service in 1995. Luverne and Norma were travelers at heart and spent many weekends and vacations traveling across the United States. They especially enjoyed winters in the state of Texas with many close friends during their retirement. Luverne was a true student of the natural world. With a lifelong curiosity and a passion for "collecting", he enjoyed all of the treasures that nature provided especially rocks and shells along with old books, jewelry, coins, paperweights etc. With a glint in his eye, he would invite visitors to the shed or his collection room upstairs to share his latest finds and treasures while he educated us all on the origin, history and interesting facts on each one. His true calling in life manifested when he became a Grandfather to seven grandchildren. His energy and love for his grandchildren found him leading adventures to build forts and bonfires, and teaching them to drive various motor vehicles around the farm along with multiple other escapades that each of the grandchildren found delightful. He was a favorite to each one in a very special way. His passion for life, sense of humor and strong Christian faith provided guidance, leadership and love to his wife, children and grandchildren. His spirit lives in each one of us and we are thankful for our time with him. Luverne is survived by his devoted wife of 61 years, Norma; his 4 children, 7 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren: Leone (Duane) Gjesvold and her sons, Ross (Nikki) Hunter and their son, Drake, Jon (Erica) Hunter and their son, Garrett, James (Pat) Lueck and his sons, Tony (Ashley) Lueck and their children, Addison and Austin, Robert (Nicole) Lueck and their son, Karsyn, Carol (Jim) Schank and her son, Andrew Prindle, Sherry Schultz and her daughters, Kimberly (Neal) O'Connell and Katie Schultz. He is also survived by 4 brothers, 2 sisters, 1 brother-in-law and 2 sister-in-laws: Helen (Chester) Hrdlicka, Leroy (Charmaine) Lueck, Alaine Hoffman (Bob Wolf), Richard (Audrey) Lueck, David Lueck, Jerry (Ann) Lueck, Ann Johnson, Carol Brenner, Paul (Amalia) Schweim. Luverne was preceded in death by his parents, Leslie and Marie Lueck, granddaughter, Katherine Prindle, and in-laws: Everett Rosenbrook, Norman Hoffman, Dale Brenner, Harold Johnson and Bonnie McCarty. Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, June 4, 2015 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Mankato. Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m., Wednesday at Mankato Mortuary and will continue one hour before service at the church on Thursday. Interment will be in Pilgrims Rest Cemetery, Mankato. Memorials may be given to Immanuel Lutheran School or a charity of the donor's choice.