Robbinsdale Alumni remember teacher Neal Luebke

Former students remembered theater teacher Neal Luebke with an afternoon of reminiscing and performances.

On a lovely Sunday afternoon, students from Robbinsdale High School met to honor one of their favorite teachers. Neal Luebke taught Robbinsdale students for more than 30 years. Students say he was a treasured teacher-mentor.

Students knew the teacher fondly as “Uncle Neal.”

But Uncle Neal was a firm taskmaster. He demanded students not just show up, but do their best. One student remembered that Uncle Neal demanded a standard and students adhered to it because there weren’t any second chances.   

“To work with Neal was to take a master class in theater and somewhat of a master class in life,” says former student Michael Price Nelson.

Former students Donna Freeberg and Kristi Gibson organized the celebration of songs and reminisces at Robbinsdale United Church of Christ.

“He directed over 15 musicals through Robbinsdale High School,” says Donna Freeberg, one of the organizers. “A lot of beloved fans came out of Robbinsdale High School through the tutelage of Neal.”

Students remember Neal Luebke as very devoted.

“He was everywhere,” says former student Terri Lumley. “He paid attention to teaching during the day and everything else at night including teaching musicals and most of the time doing the costumes. I don’t when he ever slept.”

Luebke attended the event with his wife, Carol Joyce. Luebke was very honored by the heartfelt tribute and thanked the crowd for attending and remembering his lessons.