HOISINGTON — Harold Eugene Lueker, 84, died July 30, 2020, at Clara Barton Hospital, Hoisington. He was born September 11, 1935, in Lost Springs, Kansas, the son of Gustav and Elsie (Lewerenz) Lueker. Harold was just 5 months old when his mother passed away so his Uncle Mike and Aunt Verna Lewerenz took him into their home in Lincolnville. He lived with them until Gus remarried when Harold was around 5 years old. Harold continued to spend time between the family farm in Lost Springs and in Lincolnville with Mike, Verna and their daughter Gloria during his formative years. They continued to provide a great deal of love and support throughout his life.
Harold graduated from Lost Springs High School in 1953 and then attended Brown Mackie Business College in Salina. In 1954 he enlisted in the United States Army, serving two years as Corporal.
On September 14, 1958, he married Connie Riffel, in Lincolnville, Kansas. She survives.
In 1961, Harold and Connie moved to Hoisington, where he was the State Farm Insurance agent for the next 40 years. Harold was active in his community, serving on the board for the Chamber of Commerce and was a former Chamber President. He was also a member of the American Legion Post #286. In 1973 Harold was bestowed the Hoisington Man of the Year. Harold was an avid hunter and fisherman. The family has many fond memories of camping, boating and fishing at Lake Wilson and also many wonderful adventures in Colorado and other neighboring states. Harold was a loyal supporter of Kansas State University. He enjoyed traveling to Kansas City and surrounding areas to attend any activity that involved his grandchildren, as more than anything, Harold loved his family.
Harold was baptized and confirmed in the St. John Lutheran Church at Lincolnville, Kansas. He remained strong in his faith and was an active member of the Concordia Lutheran Church, Hoisington, where he served on the church board, holding every office, except secretary, some several times.
Harold is survived by his wife of nearly 62 years, Connie Lueker; two daughters, Alison Lueker of Clarksville, Tennessee, and Cindy Klug and husband Kelly of Columbia, Missouri; a brother, LaVerne Lueker of Manhattan; two sisters, Janice Evans and Margaret Steely, both of Newton; special cousin Gloria Garrelts of Shawnee, KS; three grandchildren, Nicholas Klug and wife Leslie of Great Bend, Katie Klug and Maggie Klug both of Leawood; and a great-granddaughter, Olivia Klug.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Bob Lueker, and sisters, Elaine White and Virginia Reed.
A private memorial service will be held at Concordia Lutheran Church for immediate family for as much as Harold loved his family, community, and church, he cared more about everyone’s health and well-being at a time like this.
Friends are still encouraged to sign the book at the funeral home, 1 to 6 p.m., Sunday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday. Condolences may also be left at www.nicholsonrickefh.net. A recording of the service will be viewable at the same web address, under Harold’s obituary, Monday afternoon.
Memorials may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or Concordia Lutheran Church, in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS, 67544.
Funeral arrangements provided by
Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home
P.O. Box 146
Hoisington, KS 67544
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Aug. 2, 2020
