Luke William Linnett

Luke William Linnett, 8, was born to Lauren and Jonathan Linnett on January 29, 2016. He passed away Thursday, November 28, 2024 surrounded by the love of his family. Though his life was short, his impact was immeasurable, leaving a void in our hearts that will never be filled.

Luke was a bright light in the lives of everyone who knew him, with an infectious smile and a kind spirit. He cherished his family deeply and was a friend to everyone he met.

Luke attended Walnut Hills Elementary in Waukee where his teachers described him as an energetic third grader with a big heart and an even bigger sense of humor. His positive attitude and friendly nature earned him many friends who adored his jokes and easy going personality.

He excelled in math but thrived at recess, where he organized football games every day and worked to ensure the teams were fair and that everyone had a chance to shine with great plays.

A budding athlete, he participated in football, basketball, and baseball. His coaches would have to drag him off the court or field because he never wanted to leave. Luke was a “team-first” player, quick to recognize others' strengths and offer encouragement both on and off the field. He didn’t shy away from celebrating his own great shots-or playfully teasing his coaches about how bad theirs were.

When Luke wasn’t at practice or a game, he could be found in his yard shooting baskets or starting a pickup game with the neighbors whom he loved like family.

Luke had an eclectic taste in music, which inspired him to begin writing his own songs. He was also a huge fan of the Houston Texans, insisting if the TV was on, they were watching a game.

Luke is survived by his mother, Lauren Linnett (Brett Shelman); his siblings, Grace and Jack, his dog, Pippa; and his grandparents, Meredith LeMaster and Robert Colburn, and Edith Linnett; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins. Along with countless friends that loved him endlessly.

He is preceded in death by his father, Jonathan Linnett; and his grandfathers, Steven LeMaster and Daniel Linnett.

A memorial service will be held Friday, December 6, 2024 at 11 A.M. at Lutheran Church of Hope-Waukee (305 NE Dartmoor Drive, Waukee, IA 50263). In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made out to the Luke Linnett Memorial Fund to support youth sports scholarships in the Des Moines metro area. The Memorial Fund is located through Midwest Heritage Bank, and checks may be sent there.