It is with sorrow and gratitude that we mark the passing of Gary Lukes, 82, — sorrow at the loss, gratitude for the life.
The following words honor a life that mattered to many.
The story begins in 1940, with the arrival of a life that would be cherished by many.
Gary spent his working life as ['welder before starting in farming'] and held deeply to the Baptist faith — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew him best.
Faith is the language some lives are written in. Gary's was one.
To watch Gary's Funeral click here https://www.facebook.com/HofmeisterJonesFuneralHome . The broadcast will begin at 9:55 AM Gary Lukes, 82 of Parker, passed away on February 27, 2023 in his home surrounded by his family. Funeral Service will be at 10:00 AM Saturday, March 4, 2023 at the First Baptist Church, Parker. Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 PM Friday, March 3, 2023 at the church with a Prayer Service starting at 7:00 PM. In Lieu of Flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Croix Hospice or the First Baptist Church. Arrangements provided by Hofmeister-Jones Funeral Home. Gary Gene Lukes was born on December 23, 1940 in Sioux Falls to Gene and Sally (Olson) Lukes. He attended country school and Canistota High School, graduating in 1959. After school, Gary worked as a welder before starting in farming. From 1978 to 1988, Gary ran Lukes Implement, where he worked on and sold used machinery. On November 6, 1959, Gary was united in marriage to Grace Hotchkiss. To this union they had 3 children: Curt, Craig, and Lynn. Gary was an avid fisherman. They spent most of the summer up by West Whitlock on the Missouri River, taking family and friends fishing. As they got older, they began to spend the winter in Mission, TX, where there was a private bass pond that Gary would go to fish. He was also the neighborhood golf cart fixer, always tinkering on one when they were down there. Gary also enjoyed woodworking and made a toy box for each great-grandchild. He loved spending time with his family. Gary was a member of the First Baptist Church, where he was an active member. In the summer you could find him out there mowing the yard for the church. Gary also made the Ten Commandment poles for the playground. Gary is survived by his wife Grace; children Curt (Jackie) of Parker, Craig (Sheila) of Humboldt, and Lynn of Sioux Falls; five grandchildren Laura Streff (Neil Wenande), Renee (Matt) Travis, Brent (Angela) Lukes, Kyle (Hannah) Lukes, and Katie (Derek) Novak; 10 great-grandchildren Jaycee Wenande, Kaylee Novak, Brantley Streff, Myles Wenande, Lyle Travis, Garth Lukes, Chase Lukes, Easton Novak, Riggs Novak, and Ellie Lukes; brother Bud (Deb) Lukes of Harrisburg and sister Linda Addy of Sioux Falls. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Doug Lukes, Larry Lukes, Lyle Lukes, and Laura Lukes.
