Kenneth Lee Luebbe was born Oct. 28, 1945, to Lester and Esther (Ahrens) Luebbe in Seward.
He attended Seward High School, graduating in 1963. Kenneth served in the United States Navy from October 1963 to October 1966. During this time, he was stationed on the U.S. Bon Homme Richard Aircraft Carrier.
Over the years, Ken drove over three million miles as an over-the-road truck driver with the last 40+ years as the owner of Pacific Orient Express – most recently remembered for bringing Utah Peaches and Pears to Seward.
At an early age, Ken fell in love with drag racing, driving his own car then becoming a crew member on a Top Alcohol Dragster team. That team was the Winner of the NHRA Winter Nationals in Pomona, California in 2018. He continued traveling with the crew (his extended family) right up until his death. He was a lifetime resident of Seward.
Ken passed away at his home in Seward on Dec. 6, 2025, at the age of 80.
He is survived by two brothers, Larry Luebbe of Seward, and Darrell (Ruthe) Luebbe of Evergreen, Colorado; sister, Brenda Luebbe of Seward; nephews, Jason Turek of Garland, Chad (Alexa) Turek of Okeechobee, Florida, and Nate Luebbe of Salt Lake City, Utah; niece, Jaime Luebbe of Lincoln; great-nephew, Jaden Luebbe of Camp Pendleton, California; great nieces, Nevaeh Luebbe of Lincoln, and Sophia Turek of Garland; and many special friends from the drag racing community who have become family.
Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Esther (Ahrens) Luebbe of Seward.
Visitation will be Sunday, Dec. 28, from 2 – 3:30 p.m. at Volzke Funeral Home, followed by a memorial service at 3:30 p.m. A private inurnment is planned at the Seward Cemetery.
Arrangements by Volzke Funeral Home.
