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BORN
1955
DIED
2023
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John Lukens Obituary
November 23, 1955 - April 22, 2023
Carmichael, California - John Thomas Lukens, 67, born November 23, 1955 in Bridgeport, CT, passed away unexpectedly on April 22, 2023 in Amador County, CA.
John was raised and spent most of his life in Sacramento, CA, building a multitude of lifetime friendships. John worked as an aircraft mechanic at McClellan Air Force Base which sparked his passion for working with his hands and later transferred into his artistic work. His artwork was self-described as being inspired by his time spent biking and walking along the American River.
John was a beloved partner, father, brother, and friend who will be missed dearly. John is survived by his son James Lukens, siblings Mary Klobas and Jim Lukens, and long-time partner Louise Shroder. He was preceded in death by his father James Lukens and mother Rita Lukens.
A Celebration of Life for John will be held on Sunday, April 30th at a private residence. Please contact [email protected] for further details if interested in attending. Family requests attendees to bring photos of John and any of his artwork to honor his memory. In lieu of flowers the family would love for you to donate to the American River Parkway Foundation in John's name.
May John rest in peace.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Lukens
Susan Lewis
April 23, 2025
Seems only yesterday John left this world, but his memories are with me daily. Miss him terribly, his smile, voice, humor and friendship. He will always be in my heart.
Lou
April 20, 2025
Miss you so much
Susan Shroder
April 22, 2024
Always in our heart.
Suz and Bill
Louise Shroder
April 21, 2024
I love you JTL.
Jim lukens
February 22, 2024
Miss and love you bro.
Anne Hughes
June 20, 2023
So sorry for this tragic news. Also did not know Aunt Rita passed away. We were born at the same hospital, and the reason my Mom (his Aunt Katie) and Dad came to CT to raise their family, because Uncle Jim did his residency here in Bridgeport. I am struck by how handsome and close resemblance to his handsome and beloved father, my Uncle Jim. I think about them every time I pass the Hi Ho Motel where they would stay when visiting our family back in Fairfield. Now I represent that district at the State Capitol as State Representative. Mom (Aunt Katie) loved all of you guys, and I have the ring that your parents gave her as a thank you for taking care of the kids when you were all young. I wear it every day. Peace to all our cousins and especially John's family left behind. Our deepest sympathies and love. Anne (Meiman) Hughes
Pete Lukens
June 15, 2023
May you rest in peace John. From your cousin Pete. I did not get to know you that well since you were out west. My dad, your Uncle Bob, probably knew you better! I hope you are at peace and with your family in heaven.
Susan Lewis
May 25, 2023
James, Mary and son James, I am so sorry for your loss. John was the most diverse man I have ever known. I met him 44 years ago on St.Patrick's Day, and during those years, John taught me so much. He made strangers a friend quickly, a great cook, artist, mentor, but most of all my true friend, in which I will love him for eternity. He will be missed daily by many, and my heart breaks for this loss. John, rest peacefully.... and we will meet again.
Kathy DeHaven keys
May 4, 2023
Louise, I´m so sorry for your loss. John was such a sweet guy. I think about you often and remember all the good times. XO
Rod Zanze
May 1, 2023
RIP John,
April Hackert
April 30, 2023
April Hackert
April 30, 2023
April Hackert
April 30, 2023
April Hackert
April 30, 2023
April Hackert
April 30, 2023
Chuck and April Hackert are fortunate to have a few pieces of John´s art. RIP John.
Liz Kanter
April 29, 2023
Big Luke ...you were a dear friend and I will miss you.
We had lots of laughs at Disneyland with Steve Lombard; you taught me how to do a wheelie on a dirt bike & you leave behind many of us who will always remember your quiet strength. RIP.
Patricia Duvaras
April 29, 2023
John will be so missed by so many. Louise, you are in my thoughts today. Thank you for John. He was a wonderful addition to our neighborhood.
Mr. & Mrs. Gagnon
April 29, 2023
Our sympathies support and prayers go out to the Lukens family. So sorry for your loss!
Louise
April 29, 2023
"GMJ/GNL, I will also love you. L."
GMJ/GNL, I will ALWAYS also love you. L.
I know you are reading and loving my typo. You deserve it.
Days are so long without you.
Kelly Wustefeld watson
April 28, 2023
Always a great person and friend To all.
Peace Luke...
Susan Shroder Center and Bill Center
April 28, 2023
We lost an incredible person who was loving, giving, generous and so very kind.
I was amazed by John's artwork. He was always so humble about it.
He became part of our family during his 12 wonderful years with my sister. He was another brother to me. He called me 'Sis' in his texts and I called him 'Bro.'
He rode his bike solo from Northern California to San Diego. As usual he was humble about it.
Our hearts are broken at this loss. John we wil love you forever and will never forget you.
Becky Hackett Cree
April 28, 2023
John was a family friend from my childhood at St Ignatius and as an adult. I enjoyed visiting his mother, Rita. He was often at his mom´s when his son was in high school. Rita, was an excellent cook and when she would cook special dinners, I would get an invite and we would all enjoy it together. He knew so much about cooking and food, probably from being around Rita. I remember giving John a ride on my bike on the way home from school around the eighth grade. He was younger, probably in the fourth grade and he didn´t want to walk the long way home. John was persistent and kept nagging me, so I relented and let him sit on the back fender. He was a real cute kid then, about the age of my younger sisters. As an adult, John had a fun and quirky sense of humor. His art work with bronze won Honorable Mention at the Roseville Art Center. Rest in Peace, dear John.
Louise Shroder
April 28, 2023
GMJ/GNL, I will also love you. L.
Linda Cutler
April 28, 2023
Dear Louise,
So so sorry to hear this terrible news. Please know that you and John are in my thoughts. I would like to help and support you in any way that I can.
Debbie Bolce
April 27, 2023
We are heartbroken with this news. John will be greatly missed. Please let us know if you need anything. Sincerely, John and Debbie Bolce
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