Obit: Lukowicz, Phillip J. (1935 - 2015)

Contact: Robert Lipprandt
bob@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Hiebsch, Johnson, Keough, Lukowicz, Mengel

----Source: The Owen-Withee Enterprise (Withee, WI) 1/20/2015

Lukowicz, Phillip J. (6 NOV 1935 - 14 JAN 2015)

Phillip J. Lukowicz, age 79, of Conrath, passed away Wednesday, January 14, 2015 at Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am Saturday, May 30, 2015 at the Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Owen. A visitation will be held on Saturday from 10:00 am until the time of service at the funeral home. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery in the Town of Hixon.

Phillip was born on November 6, 1935 to John and Isabel (Mengel) Lukowicz in Marshfield, Wisconsin. He was united in marriage to Dorothy Hiebsch in April 1957 and later divorced. He received his education in the Owen Schools and was a 1953 graduate of Owen High School.

Phillip attended the University of Wisconsin- Stevens Point and received a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work and majored in Conservation and Biology in 1957 and a Master’s of Science degree in 1962 from UW- Milwaukee. He worked as a social worker for the Sheboygan County Dept. of Social Services Child Welfare from September 1957 to June 1962 and as a social work supervisor for the Wood County Dept of Social Services in Wisconsin Rapids and Marshfield until December 1, 1969 when he was promoted to Director of the Wood County Dept. of Social Services until his retirement on June 15, 1998.

He was a member of the NASW- Academy of Certified Social Workers, UW-Stevens Point Alumni Association and the SIASEFI Association. Phil was active on various boards and committees in Rusk County as an advocate for a balance between residents and the impact on the environment. Phil loved to fish on Lake Holcomb. For many years not only did his children and grandchildren enjoy his story telling and "fishing boat adventures" but his "open door policy" welcomed so many friends. His story telling and compassion for life was evident in everything he did. He taught his children and their siblings how to respect and enjoy nature by living a simple life and taking in the environment.

Phil is survived by his daughter; Elizabeth (Mike) Keough of Wisconsin and their children; Benjamin and Megan Keough, sons: Phillip Jay (Kathy) Lukowicz of Minnesota and their children; Abigail and Jonathan Lukowicz and Mathew Joseph (Tracey) Lukowicz of Virginia and their children; Katie, Cameron and Kaden Lukowicz and very special friend; Charmaine Johnson of Ladysmith.

He was preceded in death by his father; John Lukowicz on June 18, 1973, mother; Isabel Lukowicz on September 2, 1998 and brother; John Lukowicz in 1933.

"The measure of who we are is what we do with what we have."-Vince Lombardi, you have taught us well Dad!

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Wildlife Restoration Association, Ladysmith, WI. 54848. Friends may send online condolences to www.maurinaschilling.com.