Rev. Martin J. Luecke, 79

Rev. Martin J. Luecke, 79, of Hendersonville went to his heavenly home Sunday, March 17, 2013, at Elizabeth House following a period of declining health.

A native of Bronxville, N.Y., he lived in Henderson County since 1980. He was a son of the late Wilbur and Louise Rippe Luecke, and was also preceded in death by his brother, William Luecke.

He was a graduate of Concordia Prep. and Junior College in Bronxville, N.Y., and was ordained into the ministry in 1959. His vicarage began in Minneapolis. He then served parishes in Wisconsin, Massachusetts, Ohio, again in Wisconsin, and Hendersonville. He served as pastor at Mt. Pisgah Lutheran Church from March 23, 1980, until his retirement Feb. 7, 1999. He was a kind and loving husband, father, and grandfather.

Survivors include his loving wife of 52 years, Dianne C. Luecke; three sons, Bruce A. Luecke and his wife Mariana of Fletcher, Paul E. Luecke and his wife Mary of Minneapolis, Michael J. Luecke and his wife Blenda of Marshall; a daughter, Laura L. Reinhold and husband Roy of Hendersonville; a sister, Gesine Mangieri and her husband Louis of Simpsonville, S.C.; six grandchildren, Samantha, Christian, Erica, Amanda, Jessica, Alan; two great grandchildren, Aubrey, Kamari; and a number of nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be at 6 p.m. Thursday, March 21, 2013, at Mt. Pisgah Lutheran Church with Pastor Larry Rabon officiating. There will be a reception in the fellowship hall following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mt. Pisgah Lutheran Church, 2606 Chimney Rock Road, Hendersonville, NC 28792, or Four Seasons Compassion for Life , 571 S. Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731.

A guest book and sympathy cards are available at www.forestlawnhendersonville.com.

Forest Lawn Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.