Lenora Luecke (nee Hill) passed quietly Wednesday, August 30, 2023. She was born in Barry, IL on June 27, 1935. She was the third daughter of Lester and Helen (Spencer) Hill. She was affectionately called Norie by those close to her.

Her schooling started in Kinderhook, then she went to school in Barry, where she graduated as valedictorian of the class of 1953. During her high school and college summers, she worked at Stark Brothers Nursery. In addition to work, she was an avid volunteer, such as babysitting for neighbors and helping others with yard work. She graduated college from Western Illinois State Teacher's College in Macomb, Illinois with a degree in Mathematics.

After graduating college, she moved to Freeport, Illinois to begin her long and successful teaching career in Freeport. Over the course of more than forty years, Lenora shared her love of mathematics with students from sixth through twelfth grades at both Freeport Junior High and Freeport High School, and Aquin Catholic High School. She was recognized as Teacher of the Year, which was one of her many awards throughout her career.

She married Theodore (Ted) Luecke on November 21, 1959, at Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Freeport, IL. As a couple, they shared many interests, which helped them create a wide circle of friends. They loved to play tennis and won many a tournament, especially doubles. Lenora was also a referee, such as for IHSA tennis tournaments. They loved games, especially cards, puzzles, and board games. They even helped to organize the annual Bridge Tournament, which was a successful fund-raiser for Aquin.

While Ted and Lenora were not blessed with any biological children, they were "parents" to many. Over the years they were godparents to many a baby, and during the Cuban crisis, they sponsored Jose. They were devoted to their many nieces/nephews and grand-nieces/nephews. If you played sports, you could count on Lenora and Ted to be in the stands, bleachers, or their own chairs to cheer you on. And if you did not live in town, they found ways to support you, by traveling to christenings, first communions, confirmations, showers of all types, and weddings. Lenora was sure to stay connected via notes or phone calls. Lenora and Ted complimented one another, and they remained devoted to one another until Ted's passing in 2006.

Lenora also pursued her own interests. Her many talents included music. She was a gifted piano and clarinet player, who played with a semipro band as well as at several churches. She was accomplished at needlepoint and knitting, even displaying her work at the Embroiderers' Guild of America (EGA) exhibits. She would often work on her needlepoint or knitting while Ted was watching a favorite show, so that they were together. Her many nieces and nephews are the happy recipients of her handiwork. In addition, she was a baker and is perhaps best known for her spiced pecans and her recreation of Grandma's (Marie Luecke's) famous German chocolate cookies, which was truly a labor of love on her part because Lenora did not even like chocolate. No holiday was complete unless both items were part of the dessert tray!

One of her passions was genealogy. As a result of personal research, she was recognized as a Daughter of the American Revolution. She was also the historian for the Luecke and the Hill families. She took a year off from teaching to compile the Luecke-Franz family history. After retirement, she worked with her sisters Hilda and Jonie to compile the Spencer-Hill family history. She also worked on documenting the history of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Freeport These family history books are treasured by all who received a copy.

Over the course of her life, Lenora volunteered for a wide variety of organizations, devoting time, energy, and resources to help others. Some of her favorite volunteer stories centered around the Freeport Historical Museum, Aquin Boosters, and Voices. In addition to these, she also volunteered at Freeport Memorial Hospital, the library, Meals on Wheels, and so many more.

It is hard to sum up the life of a woman who lived 88 years to the fullest. This is just a little snapshot of the women we loved and will miss. She touched the lives of so many people.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband Ted Luecke, by her parents Lester and Helen (Spencer)Hill, by her sisters (Helen Ratcliff, Wanda (infant), Jonie Fesler, Kelsia Peacock) and her brother-in-laws, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Lenora is survived by one sister, Hilda Christison of Hannibal, MO, two special people, her nephew  Dale and her niece Charity, whom she called her angels, plus numerous nephews, nieces, great nephews and nieces, and great-great nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Freeport, IL. On Tuesday September 5. Visitation is from noon until 2, followed by Mass. Burial at St Joesph's Cemetery will take place after the Mass.

The family would like to thank the Liberty Village Manor Court staff and Hospice for their compassionate care of Lenora.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a charity of your choice or to one of Lenora's favorite charities: Aquin Catholic Schools, 1419 S Galena Ave, Freeport, IL 61032; Freeport Historical Museum, 1440 S Carroll Ave, Freeport, IL 61032: or VOICES, 565 N Turner Ave, Freeport, IL 61032.