Honoring Joe Luea's Legacy

Joseph George Luea, of Lapeer, Michigan, passed away peacefully at the age of 77 over the Fourth of July weekend. He was born in Flint, Michigan, and dedicated his life to serving others—with warmth, humor, and unwavering kindness.

Joe was a man who cherished his family deeply. He is survived by his wife of 54 years of marriage, Kathy Luea, whom he shared a beautiful life with, and together they raised five children: Patrick (Jackie) Luea, Alice Luea, Emily (Matthew) Flynn, Joe Luea (Angela Bliss), and David (Lisa) Luea. He was a loving and involved grandfather to Peyton, Grace, Connor, Riley, Hazel, Nolan, Bridget, Dean, Beckett, and Margaret—each of whom brought him endless joy.

Joe graduated from St. John Vianney High School in 1966 and went on to earn his degree from Ferris State University’s College of Pharmacy in 1971. He spent 49 years as a devoted pharmacist, always taking the time to care for the people he served each day. He brought that same care and attentiveness to every relationship in his life.

Whether fishing up North, playing Monopoly with his children, traveling to new places, or making a quick stop at the casino, Joe knew how to enjoy life. His laugh—loud, unmistakable, and contagious—could fill any room and lift any spirit. He believed in staying positive, even through life’s challenges, and carried that spirit of resilience into everything he did.

Joe was also an active member of his community, serving as City Commissioner for Lapeer in the late 1970s and a proud member of the Knights of Columbus. He was preceded in death by his parents, Nick and Helen Luea, and is survived by his siblings Mike, Mary Jo, Val, Mark, and Aimee.

Any contribution you make will help our family with any unexpected funeral arrangements or memorial services as we prepare to celebrate his life and lay him to rest. Your donation will go directly toward helping us give Joe the beautiful, dignified farewell he deserves.

If you knew Joe, you know how deeply he cared for the people around him, and how he made the world a little brighter.

Thank you for your love, kindness, and generosity during this time. We will carry Joe’s memory forward in every laugh we share, every act of kindness we pass on, and every story we tell about the man who gave us so much.

Click HERE to sign his Tribute Wall or learn more about Joe's funeral services.

With love and gratitude,

The Luea Family

VIDEO: 50 Years of Love | Joe & Kathy Luea