Vernon Lueck

Vernon Christian Lueck, 85, of Nampa, Idaho, formerly of Las Vegas, passed away of natural causes at his home Saturday, Feb. 25, 2006. Vern was born June 3, 1920, in Lidgerwood, N.D., to Christian and Cassie Lueck. Vern grew up on a farm southeast of Lidgerwood, N.D. He left home in the fall of his 16th year, to work with a thrashing crew. He went to Denver, where he was employed with Gates Rubber Company. That is where he met Kathryn and was married June 22, 1940. After a few years they moved to Sisseton to farm with his father. He farmed and became a journeymen bricklayer. Vern worked in many states, building as a general contractor, one of his greatest accomplishments was building a quality 10 unit apartment building in 29 days in Las Vegas. He worked hard and had a "good eye" which came in handy when playing baseball, pool, and farming straight rows of corn, as a bricklayer, and in choosing Kathryn for his wife. After retirement he was called to work at the Las Vegas Temple. He loved being there and doing the Lord's work. Vern is survived by his wife, of 65 years, Kathryn Elizabeth Matthews; and their nine children, Gary (Carol) Lueck of Arlington, Wash., Valerie Snow of Las Vegas, Vernon (LaNel) Lueck of Las Vegas, Bill (Lupita) Lueck of Las Vegas, Chet (Micki) Lueck of Enderlin, N.D., Craig (Becky) Lueck of Salt Lake City, Mark (Nancy) Lueck of South Shore, S.D., Teresa (Lester) Richins of Nampa, Idaho, and Lana (David) Arenaz of Las Vegas. Vern was grandfather to 41 grandchildren; and 36 great-grandchildren. Vern was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers; one sister; and three grandchildren. Visitation will be from 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, March 4, with the service to follow, both at Palm Mortuary, 1325 N. Main St.