Leon A. Luker

Leon A. Luker, 60, of Oshkosh, WI, died unexpectedly of a massive heart attack on Wednesday, December 14, 2011.

Leon was born on July 11, 1951. He was the oldest of nine children. Leon was the son of Leon and Ann Marie (Klieforth) Luker of Oshkosh. Leon is survived by his wife, Jane, the love of his life and their devotion to one another was very apparent.

Leon is also survived by his two daughters, Samantha Jean and Meghan Elizabeth Luker (fiancé Craig), Jane's sons Josh and Jeremy Foley, and one grandchild Jak.

To always be remembered by eight brothers and sisters: Lawrence Luker, Jim Luker and Candace Ryan, Minneapolis, MN, Susie (Luker) Jeffrey Thoe, Hayfield, MN, Mary (Luker) Bob Tamblin, Princeton, WI, Rick (Julie) Luker, Greenville, WI, Michael (Melinda) Luker, Eyota, MN, Ann Marie (Luker) Todd Burns, Oshkosh, WI, Christine (Luker) Krause, Oshkosh, WI.

Dearly loved by many aunts and uncles: Helen Shenefield, Mary Wrasse, Ralph Klieforth and John (Betty) Klieforth, Shirley (Clint) Peters, Tom (Marge) Luker.

Very sadly missed by his special nieces and nephews: Mallery (Nate), Mesa, Merrill and Mark Luker, Bonnie (TJ), Amanda, McCayla and Katrina Thoe, Jared, Cameron and Elliott Luker, Garritt and Logan Luker, Gabrielle and Hope Burns, Teal Krause.

Although only a part of their lives for the past seven years, Leon will also be missed by Jane's dad, Robert Zancig, Sr., and her siblings Robert (Nancy) Zancig, Jr., Susan (James) Lawrence, Carol (Wes) Mills, Linda (Carl) Plehaty, Mary (Mark) Urban, and all of their children.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Lawrence, maternal grandparents Helen and Ralph G. Klieforth and paternal grand parents Dorothy and Earl Luker.

Leon will also be dearly missed by many friends, too numerous to list, who were also very important to him.

Leon was a 1969 graduate of Lourdes High School. He was involved in football, basketball and track. He attended UWO and later graduated from Fox Valley Technical College with a degree in Marketing.

Leon served a carpentry apprenticeship with Precour Construction Company, later becoming a superintendent.

Leon next enjoyed his years as a professional walleye fisherman, where he won several awards, published many articles and was featured on the cover photo of, "Wisconsin Outdoor Journal" and other publications. He was proud of the fact that he still held the record for the highest one day fish total in the Professional Walleye Trail on Lake Erie. He enjoyed guiding fisherman, teaching children how to fish and passing on his enthusiasm to all. Leon made and accumulated many fishing lures over the years, and graciously shared them with many of his nieces and nephews.

He then worked for Oshkosh Tent and Awning for ten years and enjoyed all of the employees and contacts he made as a salesman. He designed boat tarps and several military vehicle covers that provided additional safety for the soldiers. He retired in 2010 due to health problems.

Leon made everyone feel special, and was only a phone call away. He was always interested in other's activities and concerns. He cherished time spent with family, especially his wife and daughters. He never got tired of helping his brothers and sisters with various building projects. He made a point of telling them often how much he loved them. He was generous with his time, hugs, and knowledge. A kind, caring, loyal teddy bear who enjoyed humor, had a hearty laugh and a quick smile that lit up the room. He was protective and made an effort to complement and share straight-forward advice and love.

An outdoor enthusiast, his passion was fishing, boating, four-wheeling, hiking, but especially hunting. Family and friends enjoyed quartering deer together. He used his carpentry skills to fashion several ladder tree stands, many of which will continue to be enjoyed for years to come.

Leon's unbreakable drive allowed him to spend quality time with his wife and parents during the last few years. Most days included talking football with his dad, especially the Packers, a kiss for his mom, conversations with his daughter, long four-wheel rides through the many trees the family had planted on their beautiful property. Jane and Leon's recent four-wheeling trip to South Dakota with his parents was one of the most important and special trips of his life.

Leon overcame his numerous physical challenges in the last few years by giving back to the healthcare community. Speaking in support of the compassionate care received at Mercy Medical Center was very important to him. He was proud to represent Affinity Healthcare at a medical conference in Salt Lake City this September, a trip of a lifetime for Leon and Jane.

Other interests included caring for their countless deck flowers, volunteering his time to 4-H, frying fish and mixing a good batch of his pretzel dip. Memories of the family vacations in Glidden, WI, including roughing it, water skiing, tubing, swimming and singing around the campfires will be cherished by the family forever.

The Luker family thanks the friends and staff at Mercy Medical Center for the special care and love received over the past few years.

Visitation will be held at Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church (St. Peter site), 435 High Avenue, Oshkosh, on Sunday, December 18th from 10:30am - 1:30pm, service at 1:30 and a luncheon for all will follow. Burial will be held at a later date at New Elm Cemetery. A memorial will be established.

Fiss and Bills Poklasny Funeral Home

(920) 235-1170

fissbillspoklasny.com