Dr. Lueke Berndt Lueken

With full hearts and deep sadness, we share the passing of Dr. Lueke B. Lueken-beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and dedicated physician and friend-who passed away peacefully at the age of 101.
Born on October 27, 1923, in Oldenberg, Germany, Lueke lived a long, rich life filled with purpose, love, and quiet strength. He came of age during World War II and served his country as a young man-experiences that shaped him deeply and gave him a profound appreciation for life, peace, and human connection.
After the war, he chose a path of healing, becoming an obstetrician and gynecologist. His journey eventually led him to the United States, where he built not only a remarkable medical career but a beautiful life with his beloved wife, Liselotte Mueller Lueken. He poured his heart into his work, delivering thousands of babies and caring for countless women with compassion, gentleness, and wisdom. He truly loved what he did, and it showed in every life he touched, including those he mentored.
Lueke was a family man through and through. He was a devoted father to his daughter, Barbara Anderson (Gregory), and a proud grandfather to Megan Hancock (Tate) and Dr. Lueke Anderson (Anna). He absolutely lit up around his three great-grandchildren: Wyatt (9), Payton (5), and Rory (2). He was always present, always patient, and always full of quiet encouragement, thoughtful advice, and deep love.
One of the things his family cherished most were the incredible stories he would tell. Lueke had lived through so much, and he shared his experiences with humor, insight, and a sparkle in his eye. Whether it was a story from his childhood in Germany, his time during the war, or adventures from his medical career or travels around the world, his stories were always fascinating-and they never got old. His family could sit and listen to him for hours, soaking in his wisdom and the richness of a life so fully lived.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Lieselotte; his parents, Gertrud Elisa and Dr. Karl Heinrich August Lueken; and his siblings, Gertrud Roth, Hedwig Pohlandt, Peter Otto Nikolaus Lueken, and Dr. Karl-Gert Lueken. Their memories lived on in his stories and in the values he passed down.
Even in his later years, Lueke never lost his curiosity or drive to keep learning. He taught himself Spanish, picked up photography, mastered computers and typing, and was still discovering new things well into his 90s. He loved tennis, golf, traveling, and staying active-not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. He had a gentle spirit, a sharp mind, a kind heart, and was a true friend to those he cherished.
To know Lueke was to feel seen, heard, and cared for. He didn’t need to say much-his presence alone was enough. He lived with integrity, humility, and grace, and he leaves behind a legacy that lives on in the family he adored and the many lives he touched.
We will miss him more than words can say, but we’re endlessly grateful for the 101 years we had with him.
“What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others.” Rest well, Dr. Lueken. You lived a life that truly mattered.
Memorial Service will be at 1:30 pm, Saturday, June 21, 2025, at Downing & Lahey East Mortuary. The service was live streamed and is available to view by clicking HERE.
Memorials have been established with: Rotary Club of Wichita, 100 N. Main St #1003, Wichita, KS 67202; Botanica, The Wichita Gardens, 701 Amidon St., Wichita, KS 67203; Sedgwick County Zoo, 5555 W. Zoo Blvd., Wichita, KS 67212.