1919
Robert
2011
Robert Lueben
November 28, 1919 — January 20, 2011
Robert (Bob) Quentin Lueben was born November 28, 1919, in Appleton, MN, to Gregor and Grace (Bond) Lueben. His family – including one older brother and two younger sisters - moved to Montevideo, MN, where he graduated from high school in 1938. Bob attended the University of MN in St. Paul and worked for Swift & Company. He served in the US Air Force from 1941- 45 as an air traffic controller, pilot, and trainer for Tuskegee Airmen. Bob was honorably discharged with the rank of Master Sergeant.
Bob married Rose Mary Erickson on April 5, 1946, in Montevideo. He resumed his employment with Swift. Bob and Rose Mary came to Detroit Lakes in 1949. They moved to Chicago, IL, in 1951, and returned to Detroit Lakes where Bob became General Manager and CEO of the Swift & Company plant. Under his direction, the plant became the first to process only turkeys. Until then, Swift had also produced butter, eggs, and other poultry. Detroit Lakes was the first to produce the Butter Ball turkey. Bob retired from Swift in 1986. As a civic minded community leader, Bob enjoyed decades of service as a member of Rotary International since 1955. He shared over 50 years of membership with the Congregational Church where he faithfully served at least once on every board and thoroughly enjoyed gathering with his church family on Sunday mornings. His service within the Chamber of Commerce was loyal and included the reorganization of the annual membership drive. Bob served on the Board of Directors at First National Bank and was presented a life time membership to the Detroit Country Club upon retirement. He was a solid supporter of Laker Athletics, always keeping his radio dial tuned to KDLM. He was a member of the Elks, Eagles, and the American Legion.
In his younger days, Bob enjoyed golf, travel, bowling, boating, and snowmobiling. Also, deer hunting seasons were highly anticipated and enjoyed. Bob had special stories from deer camp. He loved the time spent card playing and reading Louie L'Amour novels. It was not a secret the deer knew they were safe in Bob's proximity – and not because he was a lousy shot. Many a pet understood what a terrific companion Bob was. A good joke was always appreciated and Bob's witty and timely quips were part of most conversations. The Lueben home on Long Lake became a privilege and a joy of life in 1971. Another passion was touring, driving with anyone – especially his grandsons - who enjoyed area history and landmarks, both manmade and natural. Until his COPD became a major issue, Bob was a member of the DLCCC where he put in mile after mile on the track. As part of the Main Street 10 o'clock Coffee Crew, Bob enjoyed mornings sharing laughs, world solutions, dissenting opinions, predictions, and lessons in manners and etiquette. Always the gentleman, even during his more physically compromised moments, ladies first was his philosophy. Also, there was no time when Bob did not doff his cap upon entering a building. Honesty, hard work, integrity, and respect for the opportunities of life presented him drove Bob to be a proud and determined advocate for his family, friends, community, and country.
Bob will be truly missed and dearly remembered by his three children, Bob G. Lueben of St. Paul, Barbara Medure (Angelo) of New Castle, PA, Anne Anderson (Jeff Johnson) of Detroit Lakes; six grandsons, Karl Lueben of Brooklyn Park, Peder Lueben of Cedar Rapids, IA, Joe Lueben of Brooklyn, NY, Kyle Anderson of St. Cloud, Nick Johnson of
Funeral Home: David Donehower Funeral Home 609 Hwy 10 East Detroit Lakes, MN US 56501
Friday, June 3, 2011
Service
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Bob married Rose Mary Erickson on April 5, 1946, in Montevideo. He resumed his employment with Swift. Bob and Rose Mary came to Detroit Lakes in 1949. They moved to Chicago, IL, in 1951, and returned to Detroit Lakes where Bob became General Manager and CEO of the Swift & Company plant. Under his direction, the plant became the first to process only turkeys. Until then, Swift had also produced butter, eggs, and other poultry. Detroit Lakes was the first to produce the Butter Ball turkey. Bob retired from Swift in 1986. As a civic minded community leader, Bob enjoyed decades of service as a member of Rotary International since 1955. He shared over 50 years of membership with the Congregational Church where he faithfully served at least once on every board and thoroughly enjoyed gathering with his church family on Sunday mornings. His service within the Chamber of Commerce was loyal and included the reorganization of the annual membership drive. Bob served on the Board of Directors at First National Bank and was presented a life time membership to the Detroit Country Club upon retirement. He was a solid supporter of Laker Athletics, always keeping his radio dial tuned to KDLM. He was a member of the Elks, Eagles, and the American Legion.
In his younger days, Bob enjoyed golf, travel, bowling, boating, and snowmobiling. Also, deer hunting seasons were highly anticipated and enjoyed. Bob had special stories from deer camp. He loved the time spent card playing and reading Louie L'Amour novels. It was not a secret the deer knew they were safe in Bob's proximity – and not because he was a lousy shot. Many a pet understood what a terrific companion Bob was. A good joke was always appreciated and Bob's witty and timely quips were part of most conversations. The Lueben home on Long Lake became a privilege and a joy of life in 1971. Another passion was touring, driving with anyone – especially his grandsons - who enjoyed area history and landmarks, both manmade and natural. Until his COPD became a major issue, Bob was a member of the DLCCC where he put in mile after mile on the track. As part of the Main Street 10 o'clock Coffee Crew, Bob enjoyed mornings sharing laughs, world solutions, dissenting opinions, predictions, and lessons in manners and etiquette. Always the gentleman, even during his more physically compromised moments, ladies first was his philosophy. Also, there was no time when Bob did not doff his cap upon entering a building. Honesty, hard work, integrity, and respect for the opportunities of life presented him drove Bob to be a proud and determined advocate for his family, friends, community, and country.
Bob will be truly missed and dearly remembered by his three children, Bob G. Lueben of St. Paul, Barbara Medure (Angelo) of New Castle, PA, Anne Anderson (Jeff Johnson) of Detroit Lakes; six grandsons, Karl Lueben of Brooklyn Park, Peder Lueben of Cedar Rapids, IA, Joe Lueben of Brooklyn, NY, Kyle Anderson of St. Cloud, Nick Johnson of
Funeral Home: David Donehower Funeral Home 609 Hwy 10 East Detroit Lakes, MN US 56501
Previous Events
VisitationFriday, June 3, 2011
5:00 PM
- 8:00 PM
David-Donehower Funeral Home
609 Hwy 10 East
Detroit Lakes, MN 56501
Saturday, June 4, 2011
11:00 AM
Congregational Church
900 Lake Ave
Detroit Lakes, MN 56501
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