David F. Luebke

1947 - 2023

Beloit, WI - The world is a little less after David Francis Luebke, 75, passed away at Beloit Memorial Hospital on Thursday, June 22, 2023.

Born on Oct. 18, 1947 in Monroe, WI to Arthur and Martha (Plencner) Luebke, Dave was a proud fourth generation Beloiter and attended Beloit schools and Beloit Catholic High, graduating in 1965. He graduated from UW-Platteville with a bachelor's in social psychology, received his master's in school psychology from UW-Whitewater in 1975, and later went on to earn his Education Specialist (Ed.S) degree from Northern Illinois University in 1991. He returned to Beloit Catholic High as a guidance counselor and also as a freshman football coach, which began a lifelong love of mentoring and coaching others around him.

He fondly reminisced about his early jobs delivering the local paper, flipping burgers at Bet-U-Like-It, serving as Recreation Supervisor at Turtle Creek Park, and managing Krueger Pool. He made many vital connections to Beloit's diverse community which both influenced and enriched his life. He married Jean M. Fillion on August 23, 1975 in St. Jude Catholic Church, Beloit, WI.

A Judo Black Belt and accomplished triathlete; he eventually embarked on the grueling training for the second Ironman in Hawaii in 1982 to honor his late son Christopher. He was a lifelong participant and later commissioner of the annual Pop House Turkey Bowl, and was well known for being a daily devotee to the YMCA - where eyebrows were raised after tossing his newborn children into the deep end of the pool. He aimed to imbue his children with the love of water, outdoors, and lifelong athleticism and many times they participated in triathlons right by his side.

Regarded as a pillar of the School District of Beloit, Dave's tenure spanned from 1975-2008. He served as school psychologist, student services supervisor, director of student services, administrator of safe schools, school psychologist, assistant principal at BMHS, interim principal at Aldrich, interim dean of students at BMHS, and interim principal at Eclipse Center. In typical Dave Luebke fashion, he ran for (and overwhelmingly won) a seat on Beloit City Council without ever spending a dime. He served for six years including a term as council president.

There are countless stories of Dave's selfless mentorship, and he served on many boards and committees over the years including: BIFF, Beloit Sports Hall of Fame, Police and Fire Commission, Community Development Authority, Business Improvement District, City Hall of Fame Committee, and organized the 'Welcome Home Vietnam Vets' event.

There are few people who weren't touched in some way by his mentoring, volunteerism, coaching, teaching, and friendship. He enjoyed extensive travel over the last 10 years with family and finally getting to watch the Tour de France in person fulfilled a lifelong dream.

But he loved nothing more than sitting on his back deck overlooking Turtle Creek with his beloved family.

He is survived by his children, Sarah (Stephen) Sproehnle, David Christopher (Samantha Johnson) Luebke, and Daniel (Laurel) Luebke; grandchildren Jacob, Tyler, and Teodoro; his partner Karen McSorley; brothers Arthur, Brian, and Jerome; mother-in-law Gloria Fillion, and many, many friends.

He was predeceased by his parents, his son Christopher David, sisters Mary and Ellen, and wife Jean.

A celebration of his life will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, July 20, 2023 at the Memorial Theatre at Beloit Memorial High School, 1225 Fourth St., Beloit, WI, with Gene Van Galder officiating. Visitation of remembrance will be from 3:00 to 5:45 p.m. A family burial will be held at Calvary Cemetery. The family asks that you wear your best and brightest BMHS purple in honor of Dave and his endless love for Beloit. Daley Murphy Wisch & Associates Funeral Home and Crematorium, 2355 Cranston Rd., Beloit, WI, assisted the family with arrangements.

Dave was also philanthropic, and in lieu of flowers the family requests donations to Beloit Historical Society or the Luebke Family Scholarship at Stateline Community Foundation.

If you knew Dave, you knew of his love for the outdoors and the importance of movement for all ages. In his honor, a community event amongst Beloit's parks will be held at a later date.

"You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.daleymurphywisch.com