James E. Luek

EAST PALESTINE — James E. Luek, 90, passed away Thursday evening, Sept. 18, 2025, at Mercy Health St. Elizabeth Boardman Hospital.

Jim was born on Dec. 25, 1934, in New Waterford, Ohio, son of the late Ross and Nelda Luek Conkle.

He had worked as a machine operator for National Refractories for many years and was a member of Centenary United Methodist Church. Jim served in the Army during the Korean War.

His wife, Sally Mae Baker Luek, whom he married on Jan. 18, 1958, preceded him in death on Dec. 6, 2010.

James is survived by a daughter, Brenda (Edward) Green of East Palestine; a sister, Nancy Benson of New Waterford; four grandchildren, Justin (Kyla) Kibler, Eric Kibler, Brandon Bankston and Shawn (Iva) Green; five great-grandchildren, Wyatt Smith, Addie Smith, Emmett Smith, Noah Green and Anna Green.

He was also preceded in death by son, Kevin Luek; and a sister, Linda Conkle.

The family will receive friends on Monday, Sept. 22, 2025 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Van Dyke-Swaney-Rettig Funeral Home, East Palestine.

Funeral Services will be held on Monday, Sept. 22, 2025, at 1 p.m. at the Van Dyke-Swaney-Rettig Funeral Home, East Palestine, with Pastor Cindy Figley officiating.

Burial will take place at New Waterford Cemetery.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Van Dyke-Swaney-Rettig Funeral Home, East Palestine.

Family and friends may view this obituary and send condolences at www.familycareservices.com.

9/20/25