Thomas Luke

THOMAS J. LUKE, 58 STOCKTON - Thomas J. Luke, 58, of Stockton, IL, passed away July 17, 2013, at home. He was born August 12, 1954, the son of Ralph Jr. and Winnifred (Sigafus) Luke. At the age of 17, he joined the United States Army where he served as a Vulcan Crewman in B Battery, 1st Battalion, 62 Air Defense Artillery, 25th Infantry Division. Tom's training included rappelling 60 feet from a hovering helicopter, a 7 mile speed march, and a "slide for life" into a lake from an elevation of 100 feet. Tom was promoted every two months for the first eight months he served, eventually earning the rank of Specialist. Tom spent 11/2 years stationed in Hawaii. He had worked in the Truss Manufacturing business in Elroy for 28 years, and for Stockton Cheese for 3 plus years. He loved the outdoors, watching all kinds of wildlife, falling stars, and thunderstorms. He enjoyed taking scenic pictures; he especially liked hummingbirds and eagles. He also loved riding his motorcycle, a Kawasaki Vulcan Classic LT 900. He is survived by his companion, Bonnie Mapes; daughter, Marcie (Mark) Wright of Geneva, IL; two sons, Eric (Andrea) Luke of Rockton, IL and Heath Luke of Stockton; six grandchildren, Braylin and Shaya Wright, Gavin and Emily Luke, and Parker and Spencer Luke; his mother, Winnifred (Harold Gallagher) of Apple River, IL; his sister, Kathryn (Rod) Broshous of Stockton; and four brothers, Steven (Sue) of Warren, Richard of Freeport, IL, Donald (Angie) of Stockton and Michael (Corky) of Stockton. Thomas was preceded in death by his father and his sister, Holly. A visitation will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, July 20, 2013, at the Hermann Funeral Home in Stockton. A memorial service will begin after the visitation at 5 p.m. A memorial fund has been established. Remembrances and condolences may be shared with his family at www.hermannfuneralhome.com.