Obit: Lukes, Charlotte A. (1923 - 2013)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Lukes, Smith, Gibson, Thacher, Armitage, Bjerke

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co, WI) 12/11/2013

Lukes, Charlotte A. (7 December 1923 - 5 December 2013)

Charlotte Lukes, 89, of Neillsville, died peacefully Thursday, Dec. 5, at the Neillsville Care and Rehabilitation Center.

Charlotte was born Dec. 7, 1923, in New Lisbon to Henry and Anna (Smith) Gibson. She was raised in new Lisbon and after graduation from high school she attended Nursing School in Rochester, MN, where she received her degree as a registered nurse. Charlotte was married to Henry Lukes June 11, 1946. They moved around to La Crosse and Janesville before settling in Neillsville to raise their family of three. Charlotte always enjoyed moving to different homes in Neillsville until finally “staying put” at their current home on West 5th Street. Charlotte spent most of her working career in the nursing field, although, for a period of time, she was pat owner of Charlyn’s Yarn Shop with her good friend Marilyn Ringstad. She became quite adept at knitting and crocheting and produced many sweaters and Afghans for her children and grandchildren. Charlotte had a feisty spirit, a great sense of humor, a constant twinkle in her eye and a wonderful gift of giving to any and all.

She was an avid reader, enjoyed many as hour on the golf course, hosted bridge parties and managed to beat Henry a time or two at cribbage. Charlotte was known to drop a dime or two at the casinos but managed to win it all back playing Blackjack with friends and family in her home. (Her “hat” parties were famous). She was devoted to her husband, her children, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and rarely missed an athletic event or concert her family was involved in. Henry and Charlotte embraced life as snowbirds after their retirement by spending the harsh winters down in Florida. There was quite a contingent of “Neillsville folk” at that time in Florida to have fun in the sun with. Their home in Florida was always open to family and friends to visit.

Charlotte is survived by her devoted and loving husband, Henry, of Neillsville; daughter, Ann (Gary) Thacher of Cannon Falls, MN, son, s (Nancy) of Reedsburg, and son Gary (Ruth) of Spring valley; nine grandchildren, Lori, Jennifer, Autumn, Casie, Dayn, Drew, Dylan, Anna, and Lauren; five great-grandchildren, Nicole, Grant, Gabe, Falon, and Adalynn; one brother, Hugh Gibson of Madison; and a host of other relatives and friends that played an important part in her life.

She was preceded in death by one brother and one sister.

A memorial service was conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, at the Gesche Funeral home in Neillsville. The Rev. Douglas Bjerke officiated with music provide by Corinne Armitage and Drew Lukes. Visitation was held from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, and one hour prior to the service Saturday at the Gesche Funeral Home.

Memorials can be made to the Neillsville Care and Rehabilitation Center or the Alzheimer’s Association.

Condolences may be made online at www.geschefh.com.