Robert Lucas

Robert Luke Lucas, 90, of Palatine and a former longtime Rockford resident, died Saturday, March 17, 2012 at Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights after a short illness with his adoring family by his side.
He was born August 21, 1921 in Dubuque, Iowa to Frank and Bertha Lucas and was a proud Dubuquer before settling in Rockford with his young family in 1955.


Luke was a loyal alumni of both Loras Academy and Loras College.
His college education was interrupted by World War II when he enlisted in the Army Air Corps (now U.S. Air Force).
He flew on 19 missions on a B17 out of Forgia, Italy before he was honorably discharged with the Air Medal and four Bronze Stars in 1945.
In 1949, he married Eileen Maiers and they were married nearly 61 years when she died in 2010.
He worked tirelessly to support his family for the Dubuque Packing Company and retired from Chrysler Corp. in 1985.
He loved golf, the Chicago Cubs and the Chicago Bears.


Luke lived on his own after his wifes death and never once uttered a complaint or negative word.
His sunny personality endeared absolutely everyone whose path crossed with his.
In August, he loved every minute of a grand 90 th birthday celebration attended by friends and family.

He is survived by his children, Rob (Donna) Lucas of Hoffman Estates, Peter (Janet) Lucas of Roscoe and Ann (Ray) Franczak of Palatine; his baby sister, Nancy Spahn of Hartford, WI; seven grandchildren; Scott (fianca(c) Angele Magee) Lucas, Lauren (Tony) Barnhart, Allison Lucas, Jessica (Nick) Johnson, Shane Lucas, David Franczak and Elizabeth Franczak; and one greatgrandchild, Avery Johnson. He was a treasured Uncle Bob to numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral Mass 10 am Thursday, March 22, 2012 at Holy Family Catholic Church
4401 Highcrest Road, Rockford, Illinois.
Burial in Calvary Catholic Cemetery. Visitation 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 21, 2012 at Fitzgerald Funeral Home amp; Crematory (Mulford Chapel) 1860 S. Mulford Road, Rockford, Il 61108 with a Rosary Service at 8 p.m. Visitation will continue from 9 to 9:45 a.m. Thursday morning at church.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Loras College 1450 Alta Vista, Dubuque, IA 52001.