Stephen E. Lauckner

Stephen E Lauckner, 81, of Kittery, Maine, began celebrating his life with his loved ones in the days preceding his passing on May 17, 2025. Those days were filled with his humorous one-liners and plenty of laughter as we all hung out in his hospital room. "I raised a ruckus."
He was born in Lynn, MA on December 1, 1943, to Kathleen D Lauckner (Stanley) and Stuart E Lauckner. Stephen's family expanded when Kathleen remarried William Gordon Coole in 1950, and Stuart paired up with Louise T "Lee" Hennessey. He gained a stepsister, Maryellen Hennessey, and they all enjoyed spending time and traveling together. Stephen divided his time between Lynn and Bartlett, NH, traveling by train to North Conway. Many winters were spent making memories at the Stanley family's Bartlett Inn, where he skied and became friends with families who visited the area. "You guys have a good time – I know I did."
While majoring in automotive technology at New Hampshire Technical College, Stephen met his lifelong friend, Bob Parker. They both proudly served their country in the Army National Guard and did a tour in Vietnam. He planned to buy a Corvette when he returned home from his service, but instead, he met Claudia Jean Mitchell and gained a wife, a daughter named Michelle, and a house. 67 Whipple was home for 54 years, where many wonderful memories were made. He finally got his Corvette in 2008 and made up for lost time with drives along the beach and to the mountains. "I think I'll get a red corvette when I get there."
Stock car racing was a big part of Steve's life, with countless weekends spent at the local racetracks with his best friend, Bob Parker and their team that included Billy, Foss, and Mike. Steve and Bob built and raced many cars – #1, #11, and #99 – at Star Speedway, Lee Speedway, Beech Ridge, Dover Speedway, Arundel Speedway, Hudson Speedway, and Norway Pines. His son, Steve, Jr joined the racing team at a young age, and it became more of a family affair. "Fast I didn't know we could go that fast!"
After Claudia passed away in 1994, Stephen's family grew again when he met Lori Wilson in 1999 and gained two more daughters, Monique and Adrienne. He was most proud of his blended families and always said his family is his legacy. His living example of unconditional love and his light-hearted sense of humor will be missed the most. "I've had the best time – I've enjoyed the hell out of this."
He enjoyed retirement after working for 25 years as a nuclear inspector at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.
"Screensaver activated."
Stephen was predeceased by his parents, Stuart E Lauckner, Louise 'Lee' T Lauckner, William Gordon Coole, and Kathleen D Coole.
Besides his parents, Stephen was predeceased by his first wife Claudia J Lauckner (Mitchell), his second wife Lori E Lauckner (Wilson) and his sister Christina Frechette (Coole). He will be missed by his children; Michelle Schweitzer (Scott), Stephen Lauckner, Jr (Melissa), Monique Rice (Simon), and Adrienne Winograd (David). Stephen also leaves his brother, Gordon Coole (Tracy), stepsister Maryellen Gilchrist (Ross), and grandchildren Cory Schweitzer, Ryan Schweitzer, Jacie Lathrop, Nathaniel Lauckner (Samantha), Brynnley Rice, Easton Rice, Audra Rice, Ashlynn Murphy, and Mason Winograd.
All are invited to join us as we continue to celebrate Stephen's life at Star Speedway – 176 Exeter Rd, Epping, NH - on May 31, 12:30-3:00. Plan to stay for the race after the celebration.
If you feel called to make a donation in memory of Stephen, please consider the New England Racing Museum (https://www.nemsmuseum.com/).