Charlene Janell Lueck

Charlene “Char” Janell Lueck, 79, passed away on May 2, 2024, in Houston, Texas, after a life of service and compassion for others. She was born on February 17, 1945, in Gatesville, Texas, to the late Martin and Ermgard Lueck. After graduating from Hamilton (Texas) High School in 1963, she earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Texas Christian University in 1967. She later earned a master’s degree in nursing administration from Texas Women’s University in 1982. Char’s professional dedication to helping others began with her military service from 1967 to 1971 in the U.S. Navy Nurse Corps. She served as a naval officer in Pensacola, Florida; Japan and Vietnam, notably on the naval hospital ship USS Sanctuary during the Vietnam War. She continued her military service as a visiting nurse with the Naval Relief Society at Naval Air Station Pensacola. Following her military career, Char worked as a civil service nurse from 1972-1977 at Letterman Army Medical Center at the Presidio in San Francisco, California; and later at Methodist Hospital in Houston. She also served as assistant nurse administrator at Orange County Hospital in Orange, Texas. She completed her nursing career at Memorial Hospital of Galveston County (Texas) as the director of physician services. Outside of her career, Char found joy in her hobbies and interests, particularly sketching and painting. She took great pride in her role as a pet mom to her two beloved cats, Richard Parker and Phoebe. No matter what the occasion, Char would always find a way to wear some shade of her favorite color, purple. She cherished her friends and loved nothing more than to spend time with friends and family. Char's surviving family members include sister Louise Coston and husband Hugh, sister Janet Killian, brother Ron Lueck and wife Jeanne, eight nieces and nephews, and numerous grandnieces and grandnephews. Those wanting to honor her life may make donations to the Houston Area Parkinson's Society or St. Timothy Lutheran Church. Her family wishes to express their gratitude to her care manager, Claudia Summers and her team of caregivers, as well as her neurologist, Dr. Jaskaren Dhillon, and nurse, Rosie Villafranca. A celebration for her life will be held at St. Timothy Lutheran Church (14225 Hargrave Road, Houston, Texas 77070) on Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at 11am, with a reception to follow. Char will be laid to rest in a private ceremony at the Houston National Cemetery (10410 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, Texas 77038).

Charlene Janell Lueck

February 17, 1945 - May 2, 2024