Robert Dale Lueck

Robert Dale Lueck

1938 – 2024

Dale Lueck passed away January 5^th, 2024 at his home in Odessa, MO. He was surrounded by family.

Walter and Katheryn Lueck welcomed their 4^th child into their home in Concordia, MO on July 2^nd, 1938. Days were long and money was short. As they say - hard times create strong men, strong men create good times. Dale was a strong man who created good times. Hardworking (some may say the hardest they’ve ever met), giving (but you may have never known it), loving (in a quiet personal way), humble (yeah that pickup is 20 years old), and humorous (albeit pretty dry most of the time).

Dale married Kay (Fizer), the love of his life, in 1958. Kay also came from very modest means. Apparently hard times create great women too. They spent the next 65 years together creating their legacy. They cherished their time together – whether raising kids, traveling, building businesses, or just spending time with family. You might say their relationship was a real Barn Burner!

Dale was a born leader and a tremendous role model to his brothers and sisters – Virginia (preceded), Laverne (preceded), Irene (preceded), Melvin, and Ella Marie. And surely their children and grandchildren were affected by Dale’s influence.

Dale was more than a Dad. He was a hero to Kim Dodson (Michael), Robin Jones (Bruce), and Eric Lueck (Kathy) Bev and Karla (Kay’s younger sisters who stayed for a bit after the passing of their mother Alene Fizer). Work hard, play hard he would say. And work hard he did. Maybe more than all of the kids together. He made sacrifices to make sure they had great experiences – like sending them on vacations while he stayed behind to work, enduring some curse words as they learned to snow ski, or buying a boat when he couldn’t even swim.

Dale was a 9-time recipient of the Greatest PaPa Ever Award – as voted by Luke, Kurtis, Arlie, Kaylyn, Mandy, Chet, Cody, Hayden, and Libby. And a 9-time Greatest GreatPaPa Ever award.

See you around like a donut PaPa!

Dale’s desire to do more and provide for his family drove him to leave his factory job and work for himself. He worked a shift at Leeds auto plant until he built up enough of a business to walk away and start his own roofing company. He was very successful operating Lueck Roofing and Supply for 25 years.

This success allowed him to retire early and pursue other business and personal endeavors.

These were many, and varied, but serving on the board of directors at B&L Bank might have been the pinnacle.

Dale was one of the world’s best Horse Traders (just ask him). He had a knack for knowing what something was worth and selling it for more. Didn’t matter what it was – real estate, autos, garage sale items, or tractors. Oh, and he loved his tractors – refurbishing, showing, or collecting.

Dale was a relatively quiet person, listening to learn more than talking. But rumor has it that he could hold his own gossiping with the boys over coffee.

Dale was a great cook too. Who knew? He somehow kept this a secret for decades. Too many great recipes to list here but he just might have made some of the World’s Greatest Pies? See voters above. Apple butter day was also a hit.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, January 13, 2024, at 1:00pm at Calvary Baptist Church, 7995 Outer Rd., Odessa, MO, 64076. Open fellowship will follow immediately afterwards at the church.  Dale was actively involved at Calvary Baptist Church and a truly giving person. In lieu of flowers, he would appreciate any gifts be presented to Calvary Baptist Church. Memories of Dale and condolences for his family may be left at www.LedfordFamilyFH.com or on our Facebook Page.  Arrangements have been entrusted to the Ralph O. Jones Funeral Home, 306 S. 2^nd St., Odessa, MO, 64076, 816-633-5524.