Date : 28 Dec 2010
Location : St. Alphonsus Catholic Cemetery, New Munster, WI
SPRINGSTEAD
Donald G. Luke, 86, died Wednesday, December 22, 2010, at Park Manor Nursing Home in Park Falls. He was born January 12, 1924, to Frank and Ada (nee: Dean) Luke. Don spent his early life in Wheatland attending St. Alphonsus Grade School and Wilmot Union High School. In 1943, he entered the United States Army and served in the 71st Division of the 608 Field Artillery Battalion at Camp Carlson, Colo. He served during World War II in France and Germany. In 1945, at the Town of Budnger, Germany, he was wounded in battle for which he received the Purple Heart.
On September 14, 1945, in Somers, Don was united in marriage to the love of his life, June Elaine Tabbert. Following marriage, they made their home in Burlington and then Wheatland. After the war, Don was a Carpenter and Builder with his father and brother, Richard, in Wheatland. Later in life, Don became a Realtor in Wheatland and in 1975, he moved to Springstead, where he opened and ran Springstead Reality. Don was always active in life, serving as one of the first coaches for Lakeland Little League Association in Kenosha. He was a former member of St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in New Munster and served as a Parish Trustee and he was a Volunteer Fireman with the Wheatland Fire Department. After moving to Springstead, Don remained active. He was a member of the Springstead Business Association, the Snowbirds Snowmobile Club, the American Legion, and served as President of the Park Falls School Board. Don was a member St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Park Falls, where he sang in the church choir, and was also a member of the Park Falls City Band. Don was an avid Packer and Brewer fan. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing cards, and singing.
Don is survived by his wife, June of Springstead; children, Dean (Jayne) Luke of New Munster, Sharon (Larry) Dittman of Waukesha, Danny Luke of Springstead, David (Linda) Luke of Burlington, and Donna (Dennis) Hirthe of Sturgeon Bay; grandchildren, Jerry (Mary) Schuerman, Donald (Shelley) Schuerman, Nancy (Tim) Iverson, Paul (Mona) Schuerman, Deanna Luke, Karen (Paul) Berenson, Bill Baumeister, Marie Baumeister, Robert (Stacy) Baumeister, Danielle Luke, Derrick Luke, Timothy (Lorena) Luke, Trisha (Jason) Fay, Nicky (Rob) Hirthe, Jackie Hirthe, Christopher Hirthe, and Samantha Hirthe; 20 great-grand- children and one on-the- way; and one great-great- grandson. He is also survived by brothers-in-law, Lennie Tabbert of Springstead and Ernest 'Bunk' (Dolores) Tabbert of Somers; and sister- in-law, Helen (Al) Schlitz. Also many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Don was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Richard (Mary) Luke; and a niece and nephew.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, December 28, 2010, at 2 p.m. at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in New Munster with Rev. Tony Russo officiating. Burial will follow at St. Alphonsus Cemetery. Relatives and friends may visit with the family on Tuesday from 10 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. at the church. The family wishes to thank all the staff at Park Manor Nursing Home for all the care and support they gave Don over the years. SCHUETTE-DANIELS FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY 625 Browns Lake Drive Burlington 262-763-3434 www.danielsfamilyfuneral.com
Racine Journal Times - Dec 26, 2010
