Russell Lukes
March 4, 1940 ~ January 15, 2012
Russell L. Lukes age 71 of Protivin, Iowa died Sunday morning, January 15, 2012, at Regional Health Services in Cresco of natural causes.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Thursday, January 19, 2012, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Protivin with Rev. Nick March and Rev. Marvin Salz celebrating the Mass. Interment will be in the church cemetery.
Friends may greet the family 3:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at Hugeback's Protivin Funeral Home where there will be a 3:30 p.m. rosary. Visitation continues 8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Online condolences for Russell’s family may be left at hugebackfuneralhome.com
Russell Leonard Lukes was born March 4, 1940, on the Lukes family farm in Winneshiek County, Iowa. He was the oldest child of Leonard and Bernadine (Kalishek) Lukes. He received his education from the Holy Trinity Grade School and Rudolphinum High School.
On October 25, 1960, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Protivin, Iowa he was united in marriage to Agnes Marie Martinek. To this union, the couple was blessed with seven children. Russell spent his life enjoying and working on the family farm with his wife, children, and grandchildren.
He was a member of Holy Trinity Parish, Knights of Columbus and the Catholic Slovak. Russell enjoyed being a part of the South Winn Country Club and was known for his love of socializing. He was also a regular Czech Days Chauffeur. He enjoyed playing cards, attending the sale barn, bowling, watching old westerns, auto-racing and sports, especially the Chicago Bears and Iowa Hawkeyes. There was nothing more relaxing to him, than listening to his morning radio and his evening bowl of ice cream. His grandchildren will always remember their rides with Grandpa on the Ranger.
Russell is survived by his wife of 51 years, Agnes; seven children, Julie Schwade (Al Bagby) of Cresco, Lori Lukes (Dean Graven) of Mason City, Keith (Connie) Lukes of Protivin, Lynn (Rodney) Franzen of Ossian, Greg (Lori) Lukes of Protivin, Randy (Dawn) Lukes of Protivin, Carla Lukes (Paul Johnson) of Decorah,; eleven grandchildren, Matthew, Jamie, Kayla and Tyler Schwade, Megan Lukes, Lucas Feltz, Jackson, Levi and Karstyn Lukes, Jordan and Ryan Lukes; one brother, Ron Lukes (Judy Bartlett) of Decorah; two sisters, Jan (Gary) Johnson of Spillville and Shirley (John) Svenson of Webster City; two aunts, Grace (Max) Slifka of Cresco and Florence Lukes of Cedar Rapids; surviving in-laws, Sr. Annette Martinek, Bill (Barb) Martinek, Geri Kerian, John (Sara) Martinek, Chuck (Mary) Martinek, Joe Martinek, Mary (Gabe) Klimesh and Theresa (Mike) Lensing.
He was preceded in death by his father, Leonard on January 7, 2010 and his mother, Bernadine on January 13, 2012; his in-laws, Adella and John F. Martinek; sister, Diane Cress; brother-in-law, Bernie Kerian and sister-in-law, Pat Martinek.
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To the Russell Lukes family. Kathy and I were very sorry to hear about Russell’s sudden passing. Your family has had to endure alot the last couple of weeks. Our thoughts and prayers are with your entire family. Gary and Kathy Pechota
Our deepest condolences are with you in your time of grief. May you continue to find comfort in the memories that you all shared together and get comfort from knowing one day Sickness will be no more and Death will be a thing of the past. In times of grief such as these, We find it comforting to meditate on the words found in the Holy Writings at Job 14:14, 15. Job expressed his faith that God would bring him back to life if he should fall asleep in death as he said: All the days of my compulsory service I shall wait, until my relief comes. You will call, and I myself shall answer you.’ The scriptures indicate that it is possible to be reunite with your loved one in the near future, right here on earth under peaceful, righteous conditions. Psalms 37:10, 11 offers us this promise. My sincere condolences to your entire family
We were so sorry to hear about your loss. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
For the Lukes family–May the peace which comes from memories of love shared, comfort you now and in the days ahead. Our thought and prayers are with you.
Lynn~ Thinking of you during this difficult time. Keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.
It never crossed our minds that on Thanksgiving would be the last time we’d see Russell. He always seemed to not have a care in the world, always had time to talk. One never knows when the final buzzer goes off. It was greet to have him in the family for 51 years.
So sorry to hear of the loss of your father and grandmother. What a terrible blow to the family
Julie and family, So sorry to hear that your Dad passed away. Thinking of you! Take care.
We are so sorry for your loss. Know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers. Linus,Paula Tekippe and Family.
My dear Aunt Aggie & cousins Julie, Lori, Keith, Lynn, Greg, Randy & Carla – You are in my thoughts and prayers this week and in the many days and weeks ahead. I wish I could be there on Thursday; but am sending my love from Minnesota. Although it doesn’t make it any easier, I’m pretty sure my mom is excited to have her big brother in heaven with her! XOXO, Leah
To the family. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this week of sorrow.
Lukes family. My thoughts and prayers are with you during these difficult times. I will miss the conversations Russell and I had at the Cresco sale barn over the years. Russell was a great person. He will be missed by many.
Thinking of you in your loss.
Dear Lukes Family, We were so sorry to hear of Russell’s passing. We always had such great conversations with him at the Cresco Livestock Sale. He was a Great Visitor and a Great Guy!!! He will be Sadly Missed!! Our Deepest Sympathies go out to your family!
Julie and family and Al, No words can express how shocked I was by your father, grandpa’s passing…. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Only met him a couple of times but seemed like someone that enjoyed life…. I can see that in his offspring… life is meant to be lived!!! His memory will live on in each and every one of you. God Bless!, John
We are so sorry for your losses and what your family has been through these past few days. No one can imagine the heartache and the grieving that you are all going through. Just know that your family is with god and he will be your strenghth through this difficult time. With Sympathy Nancy Feltz-Zeien and Family
Angie, Lynn, and Families. I am so very sorry for the loss of your Husband, Father. Russell was such a good man. I have so many memories of him and your family. I know nothing said or done can ease this time of loss but I wanted you to know that we are thinking and praying for YOU ALL. Many HUGS and Blessing are being sent your way. Kris Kriener Kulish
You are in our thoughts and prayers. Mark & Sally Schwartzhoff
Carla, we are so sorry for the losses you have had to deal with in the past couple days. Remember, God only gives you what he knows you can handle. He must know you are a very strong person. If you need anything, just holler down the road!