Herbert C. Lueptow, 77, Green Bay died Monday, October 13, 2008 in Green Bay. Herb was born February 27, 1931 at St. Agnes Hospital, Fond du Lac, WI to the late Ora W. and Anne (Songe) Lueptow. Herb's mother died one day after his birth. He and his older sister, Ruanne, grew up in the loving home of Grandma and Grandpa Lueptow in Markesan, WI. When Herb was ten years old his father married Frieda Behnke, who became a wonderful stepmother.
Herb graduated from Markesan High School in 1949 and enjoyed going to his class reunions. He served in the U.S. Army from October 1951 to October 1953 during the Korean War. During this time he was a tuba player for 17 months with the 289th Army band at Yokohama, Japan. They met all troop ships passing through the port at Yokohama.
On November 28, 1954 Herb married Priscilla Rehn at First Methodist Church, Green Bay, WI. They were blessed with four children, Elizabeth, David, Anne and Jennifer. After living in Green Bay a short time, Herb and Priscilla moved to Markesan and then returned to Green Bay where they raised their children.
Herb was a member of Highland Crest Baptist Church where he served many years as an usher. His favorite Bible verse is Psalm 84:10. Through Highway Melodies, Herb distributed Bibles to area truck stops. His Sunday school class underwrote the cost.
At age 16, Herb drove his first truckload of eggs to Chicago for his father's poultry and egg business. This kindled his desire to be a truck driver. On January 3, 1956 Herb realized his dream of owning his own truck when he became an owner-driver for Darling Freight of Grand Rapids, MI. On May 10, 1960 he became an owner-operator for Packer City Transit of Green Bay, WI. When Packer City was sold to Schneider Transport, he stayed on as an owner-operator for Schneider until 1972 when he sold his truck and became a company driver. During this time he earned an award for driving two million miles without an accident. Herb retired July 10, 1992 after 32 years with Schneider Transport. He then worked the next eight years as a part-time driver for Bob Miller Trucking of New Holstein, WI where he was able to complete his resume of having trucked in all 48 states plus Ontario, Canada. These were Herb's best years on the road. Herb enjoyed the times Priscilla was able to go with him in the truck. He liked to say she was with him from Portland, Maine to Portland, Oregon. After his trucking days, he was a part-time courier for Baylake Bank, a job he enjoyed very much. He called this his fun jobĀ. He was also a volunteer driver for the D.A.V. transporting veterans to V.A. medical facilities in Wisconsin and Upper Michigan. This was a very rewarding experience.
In 2001, Herb and Dave restored a 1958 International semi-tractor which they enjoyed taking to old truck shows and driving in parades, including a parade in his hometown of Markesan this past summer. He was often accompanied by one or two grandsons.
Herb is survived by his wife of 53 years, Priscilla; children, Elizabeth Varney, Nebraska; David (Nancy) Lueptow, Anne (Chuck) Schneider, and Jennifer (Andy) Lewis, all of Green Bay. Also survived by seven grandchildren, John Varney, of Nebraska, Fredrick Lueptow, Charanna and Lydia Schneider, Sarah, Rebekah and Noah Lewis, all of Green Bay. Further survived by brothers and sisters, Louise (Dick) Schwingel, Massachusetts, Linda Scholer, California, Frank (Stephanie) Lueptow, Elkhorn, WI and Lorraine Lueptow, Markesan, WI; nieces and nephews, cousins and trucking friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, stepmother, brothers, Robert and Thomas and sister, Ruanne Wilsnack and her husband Wilton Wilsnack.
Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, October 17, 2008 at Lyndahl Funeral Home. Visitation continues after 12:00 Noon Saturday at Highland Crest Baptist Church, 1830 S. Military Avenue, Green Bay, WI, where funeral services will take place at 1:00 p.m. with the Rev. Jim Downs officiating. Burial in Nicolet Memorial Gardens.
A memorial fund has been established.
A special thanks to Titletown Dialysis for all their loving care.