Beloved Harlan Native and Police Chief John Leuck Passes Away
Harlan's own John “Jack” Leuck, a respected police chief and former FBI agent, passed away at 86. Known for his dedication to the community and love for sports, his legacy will be honored at a memorial service on March 15. Discover his impactful journey.
Harlan native and former Pekin Police Chief John “Jack” Leuck passed away on March 8 at the age of 86. Leuck, who served as Pekin's chief for three years, had a notable career with the FBI, working as a special agent in Peoria.
Born in Harlan, Iowa, Leuck joined the U.S. Army as a military police officer before earning his degrees from Creighton University. He married Joan Petersen in 1962, with whom he shared 58 years of marriage until her passing in 2020.
After retiring from the FBI in 1989, he took on the role of Pekin's police chief and subsequently practiced law for nearly three decades. Leuck was known for his love of sports, particularly the Creighton Bluejays and Iowa Hawkeyes, and was actively involved in community service through The Knights of Columbus and St. Joseph’s parish in Pekin.
A memorial service will be held on March 15 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pekin. Residents are encouraged to pay tribute to Leuck's legacy in the community.
For more information on his life and contributions, visit the original article: here.
