Richard (Rick) Luecke
February 19, 1949 – July 25, 2011

Richard Luecke, a Vietnam Veteran, passed away Monday, July 25, 2011, after a short illness. He was preceded in death by His father Richard, Mother Rosemary, and Step Daughter Sky. He is survived by his wife Nancy, Son Ricky, Step Daughter Brooklyn, his sons Michael and Danny by a previous marriage, his brother John and sister in law Julie.

Rick was born in Freeport Illinois, and grew up in Chicago. He attended Quigley Preparatory Seminary for two years in Chicago before transferring to Maine West High School in Des Plaines where he graduated in 1966. Rick worked for Jewel Companies throughout high school before enlisting in the Army in 1967. He served one tour in Vietnam, and returned to Jewel after his honorable discharge. After attending college, Rick went to work for R.J. Reynolds where he enjoyed several successful years in sales before being promoted to manager. He later ventured out opening his own business which he operated for several years until he relocated to Ohio where he worked as a Regional Manager for the Castelinni Company in Cincinatti, Ohio and the Commander for a VFW in Sidney.

In 1993 Rick moved to Florida and worked for Jacobsen’s before taking a position with Winn Dixie. He retired as a manager from Winn Dixie in 2009. Rick enjoyed sports, television (mostly old shows), movies, was a fun guy, GREAT friend, brother and wonderful husband. The thing Rick loved most was be with his son RICKY! Ricky was and is Rick’s pride and joy. He was VERY proud of Ricky and loved going to the movies with him and especially watching him play football!

In his final days, Ricky was the #1 thing on Rick’s mind. His life ended way too early and his friends and family miss him already!!! Rick was the type of guy who NEVER met a stranger, was always willing to help anyone and was the guy you called if you needed anything! He was a great story teller – enjoyed life – and cared very much for his family. Rick was never shy about his feelings and expressed his love to his family even in his final hours. We liked being around Rick as he made you feel good and made you want to be a better person. We LOVE you too Rick and Miss you very much!!

Rick will be honored in a burial ceremony at Bay Pines on Thursday, August 4, 2011 at 1:30pm. He will be remembered well and often by everyone whose life he touched, but especially his family who loved him dearly. We are VERY grateful to the entire staff at Bay Pines, especially the Hospice Staff, who made his last days very peaceful and comfortable.