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BORN
1933
DIED
2021
Richard Lueker Obituary
Richard Daniel Lueker â€" born February 2nd, 1933, in Flagstaff Arizona to Charles and Helen Lueker; died September 13, 2021, in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Dr. Lueker was a pioneer in cardiology and an esteemed member of the Albuquerque medical community. In 1975, he developed the not-for-profit New Heart Cardiac Rehabilitation and Prevention Program. In its nascent years, New Heart operated out of the Jefferson Middle School gym. In 2005, a multimillion-dollar gift from Blake Chanslor made possible the construction of a new freestanding center near downtown Albuquerque. The New Heart program has served thousands of patients to heal physically, emotionally, and spiritually from cardiac events.
Richard was an avid piano player and music lover. Often, he would come home from work and play Chopin Etudes before dinner. He had a remarkable sense of humor and lived with a generosity of spirit that all who knew him could attest to. He celebrated his life in service to others and in companionship with his Lord, Jesus Christ.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Marguerite "Meg" Munson Lueker; his children, Robert Lueker and his wife Patti Lueker, Stephen Lueker and his wife Jamie Mitchell Lueker, Alison Lueker-Ritter and her husband Christopher Lueker-Ritter, and Kathryn Lueker Eaton; his adoring grandchildren, Diego Wren, Cade Lueker, Hudson Lueker, Justin Lueker, Fauna Lueker, Aidan Eaton, and Madeline Eaton.
At the end of his journey, Richard waited patiently for all his children to arrive and say goodbye to him, and continued to kiss the love of his life, dear Meg, before he departed this world. His loss to us and many more is a gaping hole, the magnitude of which has not been established. But through him, we will continue to love, laugh, and learn the art of kindness, which was the currency with which he lived.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Lueker
4 Entries
Joe Flores
September 13, 2022
There are still traces of Dr. Lueker in everything I do. Whenever someone was feeling down and needed a compliment, he would say the sweetest possible thing to them and then say, "so there." I do that now too. Always a happy memory
Molly Reed
September 24, 2021
I met Dr. Lueker while teaching Bible classes at Northridge. I knew him to be an intelligent man but it was his humility that I admired most...his willingness to learn from others. He came to class with pen and paper, quick to jot down a scripture that struck a chord or a thought on a Bible character or quality that was being discussed. I appreciated his questions and interaction...his concerns for his spirituality. He was keen on life! I will miss him. My deepest sympathies to Mrs. Lueker and family.
Bill Benge
September 19, 2021
Meg, I always enjoyed Dick as a colleague and friend. He had a wonderful sense of humor and was beyond kind. I am so glad he had so many years of happiness with you.
Joe Flores
September 19, 2021
Dr. Lueker was the kindest, most generous, most caring gentle giant. He taught me patience and compassion for the people we serve, my coworkers, my family, and my friends. Dr. Lueker always asked me to call him Dick, but I could never haha. I always had too much respect for him to do that. I'm 2017 he honored me by being one of the people to hood me when I got my masters degree, a memory I cherish. I think of him every day and he is with me, in my choices and the way I choose to treat people. He will always be with me in that way.
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