Maria T.J. Lukas

Maria Theresa Janine Lukas age 72 of Twin Lakes, WI. died November 1, 2019.  Maria was born in Salzkotten, Germany on November 1, 1947.   The first of four daughters of the late Henry and Irma (Boestrow) Lukas. The family immigrated twice in Maria’s life time.  First to Southern Belgium where the young family lived for 10 years after the war.  Three years later, Regina was born. The girls went to school together, played together and the two became best friends.  In 1956, Krystyna was born. Six months later, the family immigrated to the United States. In 1961, Monika was born and completed the set.  The family planted themselves on the South side of Chicago till 1969 when they relocated one last time to the Chain-of-Lakes area near Antioch Illinois.  

Maria however, stayed in the city pursuing her education and career.  Maria had a strong desire to learn and succeed. She was consistently recognized for academic excellence and earned honor status throughout her life.  She studied everything. She attended Tilden Tech H.S. in Chicago and was a member of the ROTC.   She began professional career as an X-Ray Tech. at Ravenswood Hospital in Chicago. In 1972 she attended the Graduate School of Medicine for Nuclear Medical Technology which she practiced for several years in Cook and Lake County. 

Maria took a break from civilian life and joined the Army in 1981. She earned The Army Achievement Medal for her service from 1981-1983 and received a letter of Recognition for her work and enthusiasm in helping her fellow platoon members during her tenure of assignment to Charlie Company. 

Maria relocated to Antioch in the late 80’s and continued her educational career with earning an Associate in Science from CLC in 1990 and her BA in Behavioral Science from National Lewis University in 1995. She absolutely loved to learn.

Her professional career included employment with Abbott Laboratories and Baxter in Lake County. She worked as a Sr. Lab Technician and trainer, then retired in 2010. She took immense pride in her work and whatever she took on.

Maria was an artist, writer, designer, builder, helper, enthusiast, adventurer and scientist. She possessed imagination and creativity.  She was loyal, ambitious, hardworking, a teacher, mentor, protector and friend. She loved to read, explore, travel, learn, sing, dance, laugh and love.  She loved everyone and saw the good and beauty in everything around her; the clouds, storms, life and even death. Maria loved deep and hard.  She loved Jesus, nature, space and the universe, the smallest creature, the poor, the needy and the broken. She was beautiful inside and out.

Most of all, Maria loved her family, both here at home and oved ones across the ocean in Germany.  She always expressed how grateful she was to have traveled the States and Europe. She often talked about our strong family bond is. She thought Mom and Dad would be proud of how we all stick together. We will miss this beautiful light and soul that touched so many with joy, love and tons of fun in our lives.  Love never dies.

Maria is survived by her two sisters: Krystyna Hoffman and Monika Lukas and her beloved companions Snooky and Birdie.  Further survived by her nieces Melanie (Wagner) Zerr and Elke (May) Weaver, Nephews Daniel Wagner and Kurtis May.  She was preceded in death by her best friend and sister, Regina May.   

A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday November 10, 2019 at 3:00PM at Trinity Lutheran Church in Pell Lake, Wi.  The family will receive friends from 2:00PM until time of services at the church.    Online condolences Haaselockwoodfhs.com.  The Haase-Lockwood & Associates Funeral Home and Crematory of Twin Lakes, WI. is assisting the family.   In lieu of flowers, the family wishes to apply any monetary gifts towards Maria’s services.