Donald W. Lueck

1929 - 2025

Donald W. Lueck, 96, of Dyersville, Iowa, passed away Saturday, September 20, 2025, at Harmony Care Center in Dubuque.

Private family visitation for Donald will be held at Reiff Funeral Home in Dyersville, where services will follow with Rev. David Schatz presiding. Burial with military honors will follow in St. Francis Xavier Cemetery in Dyersville.

Don was born April 12, 1929 in New Vienna, the son of Aloysius and Emma (Klaus) Lueck. He received his education in the New Vienna and Dyersville country schools. He grew up farming with his dad and showing cattle with the North Fork 4-H Club. Don was drafted into the United States Army and served from October 1951 to September 1953, fighting for his country on the front lines in Korea. After returning from the service, he married Verna Mae Putz of Petersburg on January 21, 1954 at SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Petersburg. 

Don and Verna Mae farmed in the Dyersville area. He enjoyed going to farm sales and also buying and selling cars (well into his nineties!). After retiring from farming, he worked at Theisen’s in Anamosa and Dubuque. 

Don was always a man of great determination, affectionately called “tough cookie” by his nursing home caregivers in his final weeks. He loved to tinker with things. In his last few years, he enjoyed watching the “Mollie B Polka Show” and feeding the cats that showed up on his front porch. Verna Mae’s custard pie was one of his favorites. 

Over the years, he put up a hard fight battling health issues, but never once complained. He was called to his eternal home on September 20, 2025 - exactly 72 years to the day when he made his journey home from the Korean War on September 20, 1953. 

Don is survived by one daughter, Joyce (Jerry) Tucker of Dyersville; three grandchildren, Janelle Tucker of Dyersville, Jill (Jim) Mitchel of Dyersville, and Jeff Tucker (Kindra Burfield) of Davenport; three great-grandchildren, James, Lauren and Logan Mitchel, all of Dyersville; his sister, Ruth Willenborg of Dyersville; his sister-in-law, Agnes Putz of Dyersville; and many nieces, nephews and godchildren.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 71 years, Verna Mae on April 3, 2025; his parents, Al and Emma Lueck; his siblings, Dolores (Julius) Recker, Sally (Ray) Langel, Grace (Fred) Putz and Marilyn (Paul) Schaul; his father and mother-in-law, Anton and Marcella Putz; six brother-in-laws, Fred Willenborg, Walter Putz, Fred (Grace) Putz, Harold Putz, David (Delores) Putz and Jerry (Judith) Putz; and two sister-in-laws, Pearl (Alvin) Gaul and Alice Putz.

The family of Don would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to all the staff of Harmony Care Center for the kindness and care he received these last two months and Hospice of Dubuque this past month. They also wish to thank Regional Medical Center Home Health Care in Manchester, MercyOne Dubuque and Dyersville, the Veterans Affairs Office and Rev. David Schatz. 

An online video may be viewed and online condolences may be sent to the family at www.reifffuneralhomeinc.com.