Otto Eugene Lueking, better known as Junior, passed away on March 30, 2020 at the Sloan's Lake Rehabilitation/Hospice in Denver.

Junior was born on July 21, 1940 to Otto C. and Lorene (Welp) Lueking. Junior joined his sisters Norma and Iona. The family lived near Idalia. On Nov. 1, 1943, the family moved to a farm north and east of Yuma. Junior started his education by going to Ford Elementary which was a one-room school house and Buffalo Grass near his home. He graduated from Haxtun High School Class of 1958.

Junior was an active 4-H member showing his calves. One year Junior caught a calf at a Catch the Calf Contest at the National Western Stock Show. Junior always wanted to farm and ranch. The farm was dry land and later irrigation.

Junior always enjoyed his cattle herd - it was very important to him.

Junior is survived by his sister Iona Bartlett, Wheatridge; nieces and nephews Katheryn Lane, Colorado Springs, Troy and wife Barbara Sauers of Denver, Kimberle and husband David Sledd, Lakewood, Jeff Bartlett, Lakewood, and Melissa and husband Robbie Hunter, Littleton; along with many other relatives and friends.

Junior is preceded in death by his grandparents Theo and Hannah Welp and Henry and Marie Lueking; parents Otto and Lorene Lueking; sister Norma and husband Bill Sauers; and brother-in-law Gene Bartlett.

Graveside services were held on April 6 at the Yuma Cemetery in Yuma with Reverend Dennis FitzPatrick of St. John's Lutheran Church officiating.

Baucke Funeral Home directed the service.