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Luke Patrick Delia, a resident of Palmer, Alaska, passed away peacefully on January 21st, 2013 at Mat-Su Regional Medical Center after his lifelong battle with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). He was 21.
Luke was born December 22, 1991, in Palmer. He served as Goodwill Ambassador for the Alaska Chapter of MDA from 1999-2001. Since graduating from Colony High School in 2010 he was able to purchase his own wheelchair accessible van and fulfill his lifelong dream of designing and living in his own home.
Luke was an adventurous free spirit and lived his life to the fullest. He accomplished things his way free of
supposed limitations. He loved his family, inspirational quotes, writing poetry, Nascar, playing playstation games, 4-wheeling, boating, and the great Alaskan outdoors, especially the sunshine.
Luke was an inspiration to everyone who came into contact with him. The smile on his face and the joy in his eyes showed in his life. He knew something we didn't without saying a word he would make us all strive to be better people.
Luke was creative, thoughtful and a loving soul. He will be dearly missed by his family. Survivors are his parents, Glen and Misty Vanderweele and Patrick and Bessie Delia; sisters, Jenna and Sydnee; brothers, David and Ethan; grandparents, Joe and Norma, Ben and Suus, Raylene, Doug, Carlene, George and Bessie.
Celebration of life will be held at Church on the Rock in Wasilla, Saturday, January 26th from 12:30-2:00 p.m., followed by burial at Palmer Pioneer Cemetery. Reception will follow, to be announced.
Special thanks to MDA, Make a Wish, Marie at MSSCA, Consumer Direct, all those who cared for him over the years, Excel Physical Therapy, Health Quest Therapy, Inc., Marie Downey, Dr. Rhodes, Dr. Spencer, and the Palmer UPS Store.
Arrangements are with Alaskan Heritage Memorial Chapel in Wasilla.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
My mom and I both would like to send our deepest sympathies and condolences all the way from Southeast Michigan out to Alaska to you Misty and your husband Glen on the passing of Luke.
Even though I've never had the pleasure of meeting you Misty and or knowing Luke personally. Luke was quite the inspiration for any individual living with physical challenges and limitations.
It was because of you Misty and your YouTube channel that inspired my mom to gain and view parenting a young adult with physical challenges and limitations from a different perspective.
May Luke's memory continue to live on in the hearts of those he leaves behind.
In Loving Memory of Luke Patrick Delia
December 22nd 1991 - January 21st 2013
Ashley Elsner
February 5, 2013
My thoughts are with you and your family and especially Luke on a daily basis. My son was born the same day as Luke and also has Duchennes. God bless you are your family. Hugs
Penny Pratt,
February 5, 2013
thinking of you and yor family. Love to you all. I know you spent his whole life wondering when you would lose him. You are such a strong and beautiful woman, Misti
Barbara Sutherland
February 5, 2013
So sorry my prayers are with your family
Dale Johnson
February 4, 2013
Misty words alone cannot express my deepest condolences. Someone as special as Luke will never be forgotten. May knowing you are in the thoughts and hearts of others help you through this difficult time of sorrow.
Rita Felling
February 4, 2013
Dear Misty and family - I am shocked and sadden by the loss of your son, Luke. After reading your book, I felt like I got to know him. Know that you will see him again someday and that he is waiting patiently for his family.
Char Burke
February 4, 2013
Thoughts and Prayers always Misty, Hugs and Kisses to your family. Love Kelly and Carlie and Family
Kelly Frangella
February 4, 2013
Misty & family,
It is amazing to me how I feel so close to your family yet we are miles apart. Listening to your videos watching Luke grow into a great young man. Misty, you and Luke have been such and inspiration to me and my family. You have helped me feel grounded as DMD is consuming my life. I will be praying for you all as the days go by. Luke will be missed by so many!
Kerry Gutierrez
February 4, 2013
Misty I admire your drive and the love you give to all through your advocacy efforts, it's much needed for those newly affected. You do wonderful work. Much love to you Glen, Patrick, Bessie and Jenna and your family. He's at peace and he fought a good fight against DMD.
Ian Griffiths
February 4, 2013
Did not really know Luke but my prayers have been with you. My son is 17 and I hope I am as strong as you are. I will keep you and all in my prayers!!!!!
Jean Billingsley
February 4, 2013
Luke now flies with the Eagles.
Amy Aikins
February 4, 2013
Dear Delia family, we've never met but being a family who also has a child with MD I think of you guys as being our family too. it sadden us that God called Luke home so soon so In loving memory of a wonderful person We will light a candle every night and think of him often. ..I seen this wrote somewhere and thought I'd share it with you....God saw you getting tired
and a cure was not to be
so he put his arms around you
and whispered,
"Come to Me"
With tearful eyes we watched you
and saw you pass away
and although we love you dearly
we could not make you stay.
A Golden heart stopped beating
hard working hands at rest.
God broke our hearts to prove to us
He only takes the best......
now you don't have to be tired my friend and we will all meet and walk in the promise land...
The Vernarsky Family
February 4, 2013
RIP Luke, I didn't know you, but I know you are now running free like my late son Christopher, who like you suffered from DMD. All very best wishes to your mum Misty and the rest of the family xx
Ruth Peachey
February 4, 2013
sending all my love and more ..xxxxxxxxxx
debbie morgan
February 4, 2013
My thoughts are with you and your family...Luke has been a great inspiration to me. I have a son with DMD, I admire all you and your family have done for the DMD community and cant thank you enough.
misty atkinson
February 4, 2013
Luke lived life with no limitations because he had a wonderful family that didn't set limitations and define him by Duchenne. He was able to live life to the fullest. He was able
to see what it truly meant to overcome and fight for the ones you love at all costs through his mother whom never gave up, never gave in and always picked others up and gave them the courage to fight for their own children even when they thought they couldn't. Misty and family; may the Lord be with you and your family and take comfort in knowing you will see Luke again one day and see his awesome smile!
Seavey Castelli
January 29, 2013
Luke, we were lucky to know you. You will be missed.
The Mitchells
January 28, 2013
My prayers have been with you this past couple of weeks when I was made aware of your situation through our friends Jolie and Alan Thomas whose son, Callam also has DMD. Beautiful tribute to your son, Luke.
Nancy Mumme
January 28, 2013
I was always impressed with Luke's adventuresome spirit and I'll miss his ready smile as he came and went from physical therapy. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Steve and Eva Brown
January 28, 2013
We all were impressed whith the joy that Luke spread around him. It could not have been an easy life, but the love of his family carried him over a lot of obstacles. May all the happy memories carry you through this sad time.
Chris, Jennifer, Niels, Ria Verhoekx
January 28, 2013
Misty and the Family of Luke. Our prayers and Thoughts are with you. The Memories are to keep forever. Luke and Misty are inspirations to our flight against DMD Luke you are an inspiration to all of your boys. God Speed Buddy....
Sherri Ritter
January 27, 2013
Luke will live on in our hearts forever. Truly remarkable young man. Luke's smile was like a ray of sunlight.
Sylvie Mehboob
January 27, 2013
To Misty and all of Luke's family, ...sending our condolences and love from Ireland...Damien Lynch
January 27, 2013
Dear Misty and family, my heart and love go to you all. xx
Amanda Cave
January 26, 2013
Luke was an inspiration to countless people all over the world. Your family has been in our loving thoughts since he was relieved of his battle with Duchenne. I hope you will find peace in this new chapter of your lives.
Johanna Wright
January 26, 2013
What the heart has once known, it shall never forget. May you RIP Luke. xx
Sharon Wilmot
January 26, 2013
Our prayers are with you and your family in this time of loss....it appears he had earned his angel wings here on earth....May God Bless you and keep you strong.....
The Aicardi's
January 26, 2013
Your son was a very important person in your life. I read your book and know how much love there was between you. That love will never die.
Kathy Gregory
January 26, 2013
Rest in peace, Luke~you are free!
Marybeth Anicich
January 26, 2013
Our Hearts go out to you Misty and your family. I know that Luke had the best parents a person could ever ask for, just by your enthusiasm for life Misty. Luke will always be in your lives watching over you and your family. Love and Prayers from. The Butler family
Russell Butler
January 26, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!
Curt, Mary, Nick, and Ryan Tejcka
January 26, 2013
You will never be forgotten, such an inspiration to all, Luke you showed us that nothing is impossible! May you RIP
Mike & Zamia Flowers
January 26, 2013
You were a true spirit within our Duchenne community and will be greatly missed! Your zeal for life will be an inspiration to others. Sleep well our friend. X
Mark Chapman
January 26, 2013
elsabie harmse
January 26, 2013
Such an inspiration to us all. I know he will be sadly missed. My love and prayers to the family.
Diana Duvall
January 26, 2013
Your the man.
Donna Turner
January 26, 2013
I will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Kimberly Hill
January 26, 2013
RIP young Luke. Fly high with the angels =.)..
Candice Mattausch
January 26, 2013
Deepest sympathies to Luke's family in this time of loss.
Karin Kattich
January 26, 2013
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Tiaan Daniels
January 26, 2013
My thoughts and prayer goes out to you and your family. May God comfort you in the days to come.
Melinda Rose
January 26, 2013
Run free dear Luke, i never forget you
Carla Lindberg
January 26, 2013
RIP... My thoughts and prayers are with luke as well as his loved ones.
Toscinia Elliott
January 26, 2013
May God be with you as you remember and cherish the love and life of Luke as he is laid to rest. Hugs from Ohio.
Michelle Jones
January 26, 2013
Rip Luke. xxxxx
Helen Wood
January 26, 2013
RIP Luke. Luke is now flying high..... free.... thinking of you and your family on this sad day... remember, you are not alone..... xx
Andrew Rossiter
January 26, 2013
May you be running with the angels Luke, you have been truly an inspirational young man.
Cathie Grenfell McGuire
January 26, 2013
Luke was an inspiration to our family when we met him and Misty after the diagnosis of DMD of our son. My heart breaks but we know that Luke isn't suffering anymore and is running free! Our thoughts and prayers for the family.
Deni Eubanks
January 26, 2013
Rest in Peace Luke, run fast and play hard in heaven!!
Maryann Manners
January 26, 2013
Misty I love you and Luke you both where a blessing to so many people and he will never be forgotten. Stay strong and remember your DMD family will always be here for you.
Jami Sanchez
January 26, 2013
Rest kin peace Luke, run fast and play hard in Heaven!
January 26, 2013
Praying that the Lord comforts you in this terribly difficult time. Much love to your family.
Laura LaPat
January 26, 2013
Misty, we stood beside you in your battle and we stand beside you today.
May God grant you peace the passes understanding, and may He constantly bring beautiful memories to mind.
Fly with the angels, and run with the DMD warriors in Heaven, Luke!
Much Love
Kristen Cox
January 26, 2013
My deepest condolences goes out to your family Misty. May Luke RIP, run free!
Xiong Family
January 26, 2013
May HIS Presence comfort you and bring you peace as you reflect on all your beautiful memories.
Diane Mongeau
January 26, 2013
God wanted you home. We will miss you. In our heart you will always stay. Know you can run with the best.
Love the Mabbott's
Mabbott's
January 26, 2013
My deepest sympathy and condolences for the entire family. RIP Luke Delia, you are an inspiration and will forever be in our hearts. God Bless
Dreama Whitlock
January 26, 2013
Pat and Bessie, Misty and Glen there are no words to say to tell you how sorry I am of your loss, you and your families will be in my prayers now and always, Rest in Peace Lukerbug- Love your Aunt Mandy
Mandy Tanner
January 26, 2013
Your the man.
Donna Turner
January 25, 2013
You were interviewed and asked what you wanted to do when you were older. You said you wanted to run. You're running with the angels baby. Save the swing dance for me. Love u. Your friend and grandma always.
Donna Turner
January 25, 2013
Run free now Luke. You fought a good fight. You were an insprintation to me and my son.
Stephanie Fielder
January 25, 2013
I'm thinking of you and praying...knowing Luke is now dancing. God be with you during this time of loss. Sending you safe & comforting hugs.
Dee & Timothy Bird
January 25, 2013
May the Lord let you fly so high. you will be missed our DMD Warrior
Felicia &Sterling Young
January 25, 2013
RIP Luke
So sorry for your loss
Wish I had words of wisdom to help you heal your heart but only time can do that......
Nadine Kirby
January 25, 2013
My condolences to the family. I am so truly sorry for your loss. May god bless you all. I am so saddened that you all have to go through this :'( praying for all of you. You will be missed Dearly R.I.P Luke Delia.
Rosie Ortiz
January 25, 2013
Thinking of Luke's family at this very sad time, but I know they will also be celebrating this amazing young man's life, he was a true Hero!!!!
Louise Richards
January 25, 2013
What an impressive young man! As a mother I truly relate to the pain his loss has caused you. Put your trust in the God of all comfort to carry you through it.
Rene
January 25, 2013
so sorry for yourloss praying for the family
dale johnson
January 25, 2013
LUKE EVEN THOUGH MANY OF US DID NT KNOW YOU PERSONALLY YOU INSPRIED US WITH YOUR NEVER GIVE UP ATTITUDE AND YOUR STRENGTH RIP
Brenda Burk
January 25, 2013
We were so fortunate to have met Luke such a wonderful, kind and positive man. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at the difficult time.
Love,
Jessica, Ted and Nathan Rothe
Jessica Rothe
January 25, 2013
rip luke
christine maude
January 25, 2013
For you sweet luke, you were an insperation to many including myself. You will live on through the hearts of everyone whom you have touched in this life.
latasha Henson
January 24, 2013
I went to MDA Summer Camp with Luke for many years and I remember him as a fun and laidback, and ready for just about any activity. I'm so sorry to hear of his passing and offer my deepest condolences at this time.
Sheila Sine
January 24, 2013
Another DMD warrior gone to soon. My prayers are with you Misty and family! May Luke rest in peace and may u all find spirit in your time of sadness! God bless you!
Jodi Shepler
January 24, 2013
Thoughts and prayers are with each and everyone that knew and loved Luke. I met his mom Misty thru the Duchenne Community on FB, a large family that I have become to cherished! My son Adam is dedicating his upcoming team efforts in memory of Luke when they walk in support of the MDA of Maine Muscle Walk on Feb. 9th in Portland.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Misty and her family.
Love,
Cheryl Markey and husband Chris and son Adam MacDonald
Cheryl Markey
January 24, 2013
Luke you were a true inspiration, you are able to run free now....go for it!
The Geary's
January 24, 2013
My your spirit of your heart and light live on forever!
cindi almada
January 24, 2013
My thoughts are with your family Luke as you FLY HIGH with all the DMD angels that have gone before you.......... There are no words that I can say to make this any easier for your family.......... but I know that my son along with the others were waiting there at the pearly gates to show you the ropes......... may you all be running amok and having the time of your life xxxx
January 24, 2013
RIP Luke run free from DMD you fought until the very end until the gates of heaven opened up for You. We will continue to fight in your honor
David Jones
January 24, 2013
Bartz Family
January 24, 2013
Luke,My Friend,My Hero, You will be greatly Missed and Always Loved.. You were not only my guide that I went day to day by you were & always will be my Inspiration... One day my Friend, we will Run & we will Play!! God Bless You and All you Have done for many.. Misty May God Bless You and Your Family at this tough Time.. You really made Luke's Life Heaven on Earth with what you do..
David Gould
January 24, 2013
RIP sweet Luke. Run with all the warriors in heaven little man.
melanie mackie
January 24, 2013
Too many young with Duchenne gone too soon. Hope remains through the sorrow. I am so sad that Luke isn't here with you.
Ann Avery
January 24, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
I learned a lot from Luke!
He was a very good teacher!
May he always rest in peace!
Prayers are sent for the Delia and Vanderweele families!
Linda Miller
January 24, 2013
Joe, we are sorry for your loss. A friend of mine told me about how special Luke was when we discovered we both knew you. It's been a long time since Glen and I worked with you at Lake Clark.
Sharon Van Valin
January 24, 2013
Our thoughts are with you in this difficult time. Luke was a special person. Bryan was really sad when he heard.
Marge,Jim,Bryan,and Kevin Arnold
January 24, 2013
Luke was a very special and inspirational young man indeed. He will live in our hearts forever. My love and prayers to all of you.
Connie
January 24, 2013
What an amazing kid!
Rachel Mingo
January 24, 2013
As an advocate, am sorry for your loss.
Paul Maguire
www.creatingpeacefulneighborhoods.com
Paul Maguire
January 24, 2013
We are deeply saddened by your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
The Freestone Family,
Justin, Adam, and Kathy
Kathy Kirby
January 24, 2013
We loved Luke very much, and will miss his presence in our lives. Thoughts and prayers go out to your family during this difficult time. Luke, your spirit has been set free, enjoy!
Sundi Hondl
January 24, 2013
Luke touched my life at CMS Duane Bierman he will be in my life always.
January 24, 2013
for you Luke
Darryl
January 24, 2013
we will miss you Luke, you fought a tough battle, be at peace big man
Darryl Kowalski
January 24, 2013
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