JOHN LUKAS
John Ernest Lukas, the son of John and Anna Prochaska Lukas, was born September 2, 1916 at Blue Hill, Neb. He departed this life on Thursday, Jan 1, 1998 at Bryan Memorial Hospital in Lincoln at the age of 81 years, three months and 29 days.
John grew up in the Blue Hill area, and received his formal education attending the Blue Hill schools. He was united in marriage with Ruth Lamb July 8, 1939. This union was blessed with a son, Jim, and two daughters, Sharon and Kathy. They made their home in Blue Hill until 1940, when they moved to Mound City, Mo., where John farmed. In 1963, they returned to Webster County and made their home at Red Cloud, where John was employed with Bostwick Irrigation as a dragline operator until his retirement in 1981.
John possessed a kind and gentle disposition, and was a friend to all who had the pleasure to know him. He had a variety of interests and activities which occupied his leisure time. He enjoyed bowling, fishing, and traveling. His greatest love and enthusiasm in life was for his family and especially looked forward to the time they spent together.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Ruth, on October 29, 1982; his daughter Sharon Degener; five sisters: Nettie Pruess, Anna Cech, Albina Schmidt, Emilie Bennett and Rosie Baker; and three brothers, Frank, Adolph and Stein Lukas.
Left to cherish his memory are his son Jim Lukas and wife Betty of Doniphan; daughter Kathy Shaw and husband Jimmy of Guide Rock; seven grandchildren, six great-grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; a brother Joseph "Pep" Lukas of Portland, Ore.; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and his many friends.
Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. Monday Jan 5, 1998, from the Simonson-Williams Funeral Home Chapel in Red Cloud with the Rev. Alvin E. Trucano officiating. Mary Dunning same "The Old Rugged Cross and "How Great Thou Art" with Barbara Sprague , organist. The casket bearers were Jim Lukas, Jimmy Shaw, Frank Degener, Bob Degener, David Degener and Thomas Shaw. Interment was in the Oak Creek Cemetery.
(Source: The Red Cloud Chief, Jan. 7, 1998, pg. 5, col. 1-2)