Date of death: 06/24/2025
Saint Meinrad Class: C 1970
Daniel Linus Lueken, 77, of Vernon Hills, IL, passed away peacefully on June 24, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. Dan was born on January 9, 1948, in Holland, Indiana, to Louis and Leona Lueken. Dan’s faith in God guided every part of his life, shaping not only how he lived but how he loved, worked, and faced each day. He prayed the rosary daily, completed novenas with quiet devotion, and often reminded us, with calm conviction, ‘God’s will be done.’ It wasn’t just something he said—it was how he lived. In moments of joy and in times of trial, his trust in God’s plan never wavered. His faith gave him peace, strength, and a deep sense of purpose, and it inspired those around him.
Dan and Kay recently celebrated their 54th wedding anniversary. He was the light of her life, always making her feel cherished and encouraging her in everything she set out to do. From the moment his children and grandchildren were born, he was completely hands-on. As they grew older, he stayed just as involved—giving them his full attention, helping with homework, and cheering them on in everything they did. He even lovingly drove the grandkids to school in the mornings and picked them up in the afternoons—starting and ending their day with a positive note. Affectionately known as “Pop” by his four grandchildren, he formed a bond with each of them that will be treasured forever.
Pop also had a loyal sidekick—Scout, the family cockapoo. Scout could often be found curled up in Pop’s lap or riding shotgun as they went on errands together.
Dan also had a successful professional life. He earned an MBA in business from Indiana University, which laid the foundation for a remarkable career in banking. Over the course of 47 years, he dedicated himself with hard work and integrity, earning respect from colleagues and clients alike. The most recent bank he worked at was Johnson Bank, a place he held in fond memory.
No matter what challenges he or his family faced, he remained calm and steady, offering comfort, wisdom, and support. He was the kind of person you could always count on, never hesitating to lend a hand. With an incredible sense of direction—both literally and figuratively—he was always ready to guide others wherever they needed to go.
Dan had a warm, approachable nature and could strike up a conversation with anyone. With a big friendly smile, a corny joke, and quick wit, he made people feel seen and valued. He remembered names, checked in often, and truly cared about others.
We will miss his warmth, humor, wisdom, and unwavering presence. But his legacy of love, faith, and dedication will live on in all of us who had the privilege of being loved by him.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Kay Lueken; his children, Abbie, Andrea (Mark), and Adam (Tabitha); and his cherished grandchildren, Savannah, Graham, Sierra, and Niall. He is preceded in death by: his parents, Louis and Leona Lueken, his sisters Carol (Ken) Streigel and Nancy Lueken, his nephew Scott Streigel, his in-laws Edward “Pete” Sandhage and Gertrude Sandhage and his brother-in-law Dave Sandhage.