Charles M. Luecke

Charles "Charlie" Martin Luecke, 93, passed away on August 25, 2023 at Parkview Home of Freeport in Freeport, IL.
Charlie was born on September 08, 1929 in Freeport, IL the son of Robert and Margaret (Blust) Luecke. He was a 1947 Aquin High School graduate and received his bachelor's degree from the University Of Notre Dame in 1951. Charlie served in the United States Navy during the Korean War Conflict. He married Margie Beirau on December 30, 1950. Charlie later married Elizabeth "Betty" Cannova Bradley on November 16, 1997.
After Charlie served in the Navy, he returned to Freeport to join his father in business at Luecke Jewelers where he continued to own and operate prior to his passing. He was very passionate about developing and supporting downtown Freeport. He was involved with the Freeport Historic Preservation Committee and had plaques made with historical dates of businesses that occupied particular buildings in downtown Freeport. Charlie was a past board member of the Northwestern Illinois Community Action Agency, Freeport Memorial Hospital and First National Bank. He was a very active member of the community and joined many of the organizations in the area including the Freeport Elks Club #617, a fourth degree member and honorary life member of the Knights of Columbus, Loyal Order of Moose, Fraternal Order of the Eagles, Germania Club of Freeport, AmVets, American Legion and the Freeport Country Club. In his spare time which was rare Charlie enjoyed collecting stamps, coins and books. Charlie was always the life of the party, singing the Notre Dame fight song, leading family in song to Schnitzelbank and wearing many silly hats and ties to celebrate occasions, events & holidays. One of Charlie's proudest moments was preparing for and celebrating the 100 year anniversary of Luecke Jewelers in the Blust Building with german food, dancers and music. Charlie was a lifetime member of St Thomas Church and very devoted to his faith and the church. Charlie was an avid fan of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, the Chicago Bulls & the Chicago Cubs. Most importantly he loved spending his time with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Charlie is survived by his wife, Betty; one sister Mary Motsinger-Esposito, five children, Alicia (Tony) DeMichele Chuck (Sally) Luecke, Rob (Mary) Luecke, Marcia Toepfer and Bernie (Sarah) Luecke ; one foster Cuban daughter, Vivian Lezcano-Lytle who lived with the family when Operation Pedro Pan took place through the Rockford Diocese, 14 grandchildren, Lucrecia (Ronnie) London, Alivia (Patrick) Runte, Anthony (Stacie Green & daughter Gabi Mordick) DeMichele, Lucas (Becca) Luecke, Justin (Melissa) Luecke, Jessica (Jon) Slager, Dr. Jake B. (Caitlin Hodson) Luecke, Julia (Brad) Thomas, Jackie Luecke, Grant (Brianna Spielman) Luecke, Emily and Jessica Toepfer, Jordan and Christian Luecke; eight great grandchildren, Alyssa, Jasmyn and Paityn London, Anna Luecke, Elyse, and Audra Luecke, Alan Slager, Leah Thomas and 1 great grandchild on the way; Betty's four children, Mary Zepko, Mark (Jill) Bradley, Don (Shirley) Bradley and Therese Shaw, along with seven grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Margie, a son Martin Charles, and daughter Lucretia Ann in infancy, one brother, Robert Luecke and one sister, Margaret Kidwell.
Funeral Mass will be 10:00am on Friday, September 1, 2023 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church with Father Robert Camacho, officiating. Visitation will be 4:00pm - 7:00pm on Thursday, August 31, 2023 at Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home in Freeport with rosary service starting at 4:00pm. Burial will be at St. Joseph Cemetery in Freeport following the funeral mass.
Memorials may be made to Aquin Catholic Schools or St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church.
The family would like to extend a special heartfelt thank you to Parkview Home and FHN Hospice for wonderful, compassionate care and loving support.