Robert W. "Luke" Lucassen

Robert Wayne Lucassen was born on August 1, 1931 in Iowa City, IA, the son of Henry Martin and Ada Ruth Brenneman Lucassen. Bob, as his high school buddies knew him, Luke as his Navy and work friends knew him, and dad or grandpa, as his family knew him, entered into eternal rest on March 19, 2021 at 3:50 a.m.

Bob graduated with the class of 1950 at West Branch High School. He grew up in the West Branch area. After graduation, Bob joined the United States Navy where he got dubbed with the name of Luke. Luke served on the USS Pritchett DD561 from 1951-1954 as Seaman 1st Class.

After he returned to Iowa from the Navy, he joined the Carpenters Union. He worked in the West Branch area until he transferred to the Carpenters Local #270 Union in Springfield, IL. He worked with Allen Reyhan for many years and the Sangamo Construction Company until he retired. Luke also worked on the Holland Tunnel Bridge and several other bridges throughout the United States.

After retirement, he enjoyed working on his farm in Waverly, IL and traveling. Some of his hobbies included woodworking, making furniture items, showing his kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids how to use tools of the trade, tending to his roses, and gardening.

Robert Wayne Lucassen was preceded in death by his father, Henry Martin Lucassen (09/04/1900-12/23/1972); his mother, Ada Ruth Brenneman (09/19/1902-01/06/1998); his sister, Forestine Irene Lucassen Johnson (05/11/1921-09/13/1989); brother-in-law, Delbert Lisle Johnson (07/27/1919-04/16/2009); his wife, Frona Louise Smith Lucassen (09/10/1935-08/23/2009); foster son, Mark Fitch (07/9/1953-05/06/2004); daughter, Dana Savage (11/15/1957-02/05/2000); and son-in-law, Ronald A. Pierce (09/09/1954-03/05/2021).

He is survived by his children, Bruce (Annette) Lucassen of Cameron, MO, Marie Duff of Springfield, IL, Mike (Pam) Lucassen of West Branch, IA, Lisa Pierce of Waverly, IL, and Nita Lucassen (Damen Nelson) of McKinney, TX; 15 grandkids; and several great-grandkids and great-great-grandkids.

He was a life-time member of the American Legion in West Branch, IA, a 60+ year member of the Local Carpenters Union #270, and a member of the USS Pritchett Reunion Association.

Cremation will be provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center.

Memorial contributions may be made to the USS Pritchett Reunion Association, c/o Lisa Pierce, 15850 Downing Rd., Waverly, IL 62692.