63-year-old Flora resident, Dr. Galen F. Lueking, MD died Saturday evening, January 23, 2016, at his farm. He was a general practice physician and was certified by the American Board of Family Practice since July 1981. He was a graduate of the University of Illinois College of Medicine and completed his residency at the SIU School of Medicine in Springfield. He was also a U.S. Air Force Reservist. He was also instrumental in breaking ground for the new Clay County Hospital and Medical Clinic.
He served as medical director, both past and present, of the Clay County Hospital serving as Chief of Staff, Vice Chief of Staff, Secretary/Treasurer, Medical Records/Utilization Review Committee, Morbidity/Mortality Conference Committee, and Infection Control Committee; Clay County Health Department Board of Directors and Hospice program; CCH Medical Clinic; and local nursing, independent living, and CILA homes including: Flora Pavilion, Country View Terrace, Richland Manor, Flora Health Care Center, Flora Manor, and Prairie Estates.
In December 2015, the naming of the “Dr. Galen Lueking Medical-Surgical Unit” of Clay County Hospital was formally presented in honor for his years of dedication and service. Other recent honors include when Dr. Lueking was named with the Illinois Rural Health Physician of Excellence award in 2008.
Survivors include his wife: Jacqueline Lueking of Flora; two daughters: Michelle Lueking and husband Tom Hines of Long Island City, New York, and Dr. Melissa J. Lueking of O’Fallon, Missouri; stepson: Jeffrey J. Miglin and significant other Michele Hinds of Flora; stepdaughter: Jennifer A. Winka of Flora; grandson: Lueking Thomas Hines; step-granddaughter: Katherine A. Miglin; siblings: Donald (Marcella) Lueking of Centralia, William (Deborah) Lueking of Centralia, and Nita (Kevin) Bennett of Shorewood; along with several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
Funeral services for Dr. Lueking will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, January 26, 2016, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Hoffman with burial at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery with military recognition.
Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. Monday at Faith Lutheran Church in Flora and from 9-11 a.m. Tuesday at Trinity Lutheran Church in Hoffman.
The Frank & Bright Funeral Home of Flora is in charge of all the arrangements.
Memorials may be made to the Faith Lutheran Church of Flora, Clay County 4-H, Clay County Cancer Support Group, Christ our Rock Lutheran High School, Trinity Lutheran Church of Hoffman, or Clinton County 4-H.