Obituary of Robert Thomas Lueken

God must have needed another gardener for the Garden of Eden because our husband, dad and grandpa was called home on October 21, 2018.  Robert T. Lueken, 80, of Dyersville, Iowa passed away Sunday at his residence.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 - 8:00 p.m. Thursday, October 25, 2018, at Kramer Funeral Home, 750 12^th Ave SW in Dyersville.  Visitation will continue Friday, October 26, 2018 from 9:00-10:00 am at Kramer Funeral Home prior to funeral services.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, October 26, 2018, St. Francis Xavier Basilica, Dyersville, Iowa.  Rev. Dennis Quint will officiate.  Military honors will be accorded by the American Legion Post # 137 at the church.  Burial at St. Francis Cemetery will take place at a later date.

Robert was born on July 17, 1938, in Luxemburg, Iowa, the son of Herman and Marie (Ries) Lueken.  He graduated from Holy Cross High School in 1956.  He served two years in the U.S. Army stationed in Germany.  After returning home he met and later married Elaine Helle on September 21, 1963, at St. Francis Xavier Basilica.  They raised their family in Dyersville, Iowa.

Bob was a manager in gas pipeline construction for 38 years, traveling and working in over 7 states.  Bob's team knew that “Bear Tracks” could get more done in less time than anyone expected.  Bob always had a strong work ethic that he passed on to his children.  He enjoyed building four houses and helping his kids with their houses and projects.  He proved to be a great handy-man and was always willing to lend a helping hand along with strong consultation on the “right way” to get things done.  His garden was his pride and joy and he enjoyed canning and sharing his produce with family, friends and neighbors.  He loved to be outdoors whether it was helping with harvest, hiking, sledding, fishing, mushroom hunting or berry picking.  He was always active and walked and exercised daily until his health declined.

Bob not only worked hard, he knew how to play hard, too.  Dancing, singing, playing cards, dominos and snowmobiling were all passions of Bob's.  He enjoyed traveling with Elaine to conventions across the country and other memorable trips to Minneapolis, Okoboji, Florida, Hawaii, Europe, Branson and Cancun. He and Elaine spent winters in Texas for a few years where he honed his golfing skills. Bob enjoyed family time, especially watching his grandchildren's activities.

Bob was a long-time member of St. Francis Xavier Church, serving as Eucharistic minister and singing in two choirs.  He was an active community volunteer serving on the Dyersville Commercial Club Park Board with one year as president, the Dyersville Garden Club, and the St. Francis Xavier Bingo Circle.  He was proud to be a nine gallon blood donor.  Bob chose to have his body donated to science.

Bob was a proud veteran.  Participating in the Honor Flight in 2014 was a highlight of his later years.

Faith, family and friends were important to Bob.  He was proud of his children and grandchildren. He is survived by Elaine, his wife of 55 years; three children, Lisa (Dean) Lauters of Sergeant Bluff, Scott (Lisa) Lueken of Worthington and Chad (Dawn) Lueken of Dubuque; 10 grandchildren: Jenna, Jared and Jessica Lueken, Austin and Angie Lauters, and Grace, Sam, Claire, Lucy and Clay Lueken; siblings Arnold Lueken of Edgewood, Mildred (Elvert) Lombard of Hills, Rita Engelken of Manchester; Paul (Luella) Lueken of Colesburg, Willie (JoAnn) Lueken of Rickardsville, and Donald (Mickie) Lueken of Dubuque; in-laws Carol (Eldon) Buschbom of Minnetonka, MN, Sharon Forsman of St. Louis Park, MN, and Jan (Tom) Johnson of Okoboji, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his mother and father-in-law, Alphonse and Cecilia Helle,  his sister Anna Mae Tobin, sisters and brothers-in-law Alfred Tobin, Bernice Lueken, Ralph Engelken, Marilyn (Helle) Forsman, and Bill Boerner, and nephews Todd Lueken and Steve Engelken.

Bob's motto was “Lead, Follow or Get Out of the Way” with emphasis on lead or get out of the way.

In lieu of flowers, gifts and mementos please direct memorials to the St. Francis Xavier Organ Restoration Fund.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.kramerfuneral.com