Share this entry
Dave Luebke
BIFF 2024 Honorary Chairperson
In the heart of Beloit, a city enriched by its vibrant community and cultural heritage, the Beloit International Film Festival (BIFF) has announced a moving tribute to a man whose life embodied the spirit of service, education, and leadership. David Luebke, a cherished advocate for education, a revered community leader, and a passionate lover of Beloit, has been posthumously named the Honorary Chairperson for the 2024 festival. This honor comes in recognition of his profound impact on the community and his unwavering support for the arts and education.
David, who passed away on June 22, 2023, left behind a legacy of dedication and service. His tenure on the Beloit City Council from 2011 to 2017, including a term as council president, was marked by his commitment to the city’s growth and well-being. His involvement in numerous city committees and boards, such as the Alcohol Beverage License Control Board, the Community Development Authority, and the Metropolitan Planning Organization, showcased his passion for civic engagement and his desire to make Beloit a better place for all.
Beyond his political service, David’s career in education as a guidance counselor, school psychologist, and administrator demonstrated his lifelong commitment to nurturing young minds. From Beloit Catholic High School to various roles within the School District of Beloit, he was a guiding light for countless students, staff, and families, remembered for his kindness, leadership, and ability to resolve conflicts with grace.
David’s influence extended into various facets of the Beloit community, including his contributions to the Beloit Sports Hall of Fame, the City Hall of Fame Committee, and his active participation in local sports and recreational activities. A testament to his character was his philanthropy and volunteerism, notably through the ‘Welcome Home Vietnam Vets’ event and his support for the Beloit Historical Society and the Luebke Family Scholarship at the Stateline Community Foundation.
As we honor David Luebke’s memory, his life’s work serves as a beacon of community service, educational leadership, and the power of mentorship. The Beloit International Film Festival’s decision to name him as the Honorary Chairperson for 2024 is a fitting tribute to a man who lived his life in the service of others and who believed in the transformative power of education, culture, and the arts.
David’s story is a reminder of the impact one individual can have on a community. His legacy will be celebrated at the 2024 Beloit International Film Festival, where his love for Beloit and his dedication to fostering a vibrant, inclusive community will be remembered and honored. David’s family, friends, and the countless lives he touched mourn his loss but find solace in the lasting contributions he made to Beloit, a community he loved dearly.
Throughout the ten days of BIFF, at a variety of festival events, David will be represented by his children, Daniel, David Jr. and Sarah, and by his partner of over ten years, Karen McSorely, to speak on behalf of David and to share his BIFF legacy with the independent film community attending the 2024 festival.
In the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, a quote that resonates with the essence of David’s life, “You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late.” David Luebke’s legacy will continue to inspire kindness, service, and community spirit in Beloit and beyond.
Dave Luebke
BIFF 2024 Honorary Chairperson
In the heart of Beloit, a city enriched by its vibrant community and cultural heritage, the Beloit International Film Festival (BIFF) has announced a moving tribute to a man whose life embodied the spirit of service, education, and leadership. David Luebke, a cherished advocate for education, a revered community leader, and a passionate lover of Beloit, has been posthumously named the Honorary Chairperson for the 2024 festival. This honor comes in recognition of his profound impact on the community and his unwavering support for the arts and education.
David, who passed away on June 22, 2023, left behind a legacy of dedication and service. His tenure on the Beloit City Council from 2011 to 2017, including a term as council president, was marked by his commitment to the city’s growth and well-being. His involvement in numerous city committees and boards, such as the Alcohol Beverage License Control Board, the Community Development Authority, and the Metropolitan Planning Organization, showcased his passion for civic engagement and his desire to make Beloit a better place for all.
Beyond his political service, David’s career in education as a guidance counselor, school psychologist, and administrator demonstrated his lifelong commitment to nurturing young minds. From Beloit Catholic High School to various roles within the School District of Beloit, he was a guiding light for countless students, staff, and families, remembered for his kindness, leadership, and ability to resolve conflicts with grace.
David’s influence extended into various facets of the Beloit community, including his contributions to the Beloit Sports Hall of Fame, the City Hall of Fame Committee, and his active participation in local sports and recreational activities. A testament to his character was his philanthropy and volunteerism, notably through the ‘Welcome Home Vietnam Vets’ event and his support for the Beloit Historical Society and the Luebke Family Scholarship at the Stateline Community Foundation.
As we honor David Luebke’s memory, his life’s work serves as a beacon of community service, educational leadership, and the power of mentorship. The Beloit International Film Festival’s decision to name him as the Honorary Chairperson for 2024 is a fitting tribute to a man who lived his life in the service of others and who believed in the transformative power of education, culture, and the arts.
David’s story is a reminder of the impact one individual can have on a community. His legacy will be celebrated at the 2024 Beloit International Film Festival, where his love for Beloit and his dedication to fostering a vibrant, inclusive community will be remembered and honored. David’s family, friends, and the countless lives he touched mourn his loss but find solace in the lasting contributions he made to Beloit, a community he loved dearly.
Throughout the ten days of BIFF, at a variety of festival events, David will be represented by his children, Daniel, David Jr. and Sarah, and by his partner of over ten years, Karen McSorely, to speak on behalf of David and to share his BIFF legacy with the independent film community attending the 2024 festival.
In the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, a quote that resonates with the essence of David’s life, “You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late.” David Luebke’s legacy will continue to inspire kindness, service, and community spirit in Beloit and beyond.