Joseph "Luke" Luketich

Joseph 'Luke' Luketich, passed away on Easter Sunday, April 9, 2023. He was 90 years young. Joe was a deeply faithful Catholic and prayed his rosary every day. We are all comforted knowing that God granted him a peaceful and dignified passing. Joe was a loving and devoted husband to his late wife Loretta Eckert Luketich for 62 years. He was the son of the late Joseph Peter Luketich and Tilley Burke Luketich. Joe is survived by his only child, William J. Luketich, his daughter-in-law Nancy Luketich, and his grandchildren, Sophie, and Jack Luketich. He was Uncle Luke to countless nieces and nephews. His life began when he was born in Gillespie, Illinois on December 7, 1932. As a young man working on a farm, he decided to serve his country and joined the United States Air Force, where he was on active duty during the Korean conflict. While stationed at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, MS as a radio operator, he met the love of his life, Loretta Eckert, and they tied the knot. Moving to New Orleans, Joe began his career with the New Orleans Police Department before moving to Western Electric, where he worked for over 25 years. Joe was not one to sit still, so he embarked on a second career, working for Grayline Sightseeing / New Orleans Steamboat Company for over 25 years before finally retiring. He worked at every job as though the company would shut down if he didn't show up. Throughout his life, Joe Luketich wore many hats - he was a dedicated father, a coach of his son's numerous sports teams, a Scoutmaster of the local Boy Scout troop, a member of the American Legion and the job he enjoyed most, calling Bingo for any church or non-profit. He took great pride in his Croatian heritage, and despite being originally from Illinois, he considered himself a true New Orleanian. Mardi Gras parades and crawfish boils were some of his favorite things, but he also enjoyed quiet activities like checkers and puzzles, where he could use his sharp mind to solve problems. In later years, Joe found a deep sense of fulfillment in serving as a Eucharistic minister, a role that he held with great honor and reverence. He often joked about the time he had to shoot a BB gun in church to take care of a pesky pigeon that had flown in, but his faith and dedication to his church were no laughing matter. To Joe, his devotion to his family and his service to his church were among the most important things in life, and he lived every day with that in mind. Joe Luketich will be deeply missed by everyone who knew him. His memory will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and former coworkers. We invite all who knew and loved him to celebrate his life at Garden of Memories at 4900 Airline Drive, Metairie, LA 70001, on Monday, April 17, 2023. Visitation will begin at noon, with a Mass beginning at 2:00 pm. To leave condolences please visit www.gardenofmemoriesmetairie.com. In Lieu of flowers the family is asking that you honor Joe's memory and go embrace those you cherish and tell them you love them!!