Gerald "Luke" "Moose" "Papa" Ray Luke
January 15, 1950 — October 12, 2018
Gerald Ray Luke “Luke – Moose – Papa”, 68, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away Friday, October 12, 2018, at the Dennis & Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy in Hiawatha, Iowa, with Julie by his side. A gathering of family and friends will take place from 2 – 5 p.m. Saturday, October 20, 2018, at Murdoch-Linwood Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cedar Rapids. Per Gary’s wishes there will be no services.
Gary was born on January, 15, 1950, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids, the son of George and Anna (Bell) Luke. He was raised in the Alburnett/Marion area and graduated from Alburnett High School in 1968. Gary excelled in football and wrestling and made many lifelong friends in high school. After graduation he married Ellen Forkner and they moved to Tucson, Arizona where he owned his own construction company with two other friends. He and Ellen later divorced and Gary returned to Cedar Rapids. Gary worked union construction for over 30 years and also started “Luke Built Trikes” with his brother, Don. He met many people throughout his life, either on a jobsite, his trike rides or a few watering holes. Some of his greatest joys were going to NASCAR races and Sturgis with friends. He loved meeting new people while riding his trike and he always had a joke to tell. His greatest joy the last 6 ½ years of his life was being “Papa”.
Gary is survived by the love of his life, Julie Auman and her family; his brothers, Richard Luke and Donald “Jackie” Luke; special daughters, Danielle and Damia “MeMe”; grandchildren, Colby, Nyla, Aubrey, Tatum and Presley; nephews, Rick, Joe, and Casey; nieces, Debby, Jamie and Emily; special friends, Lee Behrens and “Pepsi Bob” who always made sure Gary and Julie had anything they needed.
He was preceded in death by his parents; niece, Darcy Luke Davis; and sister-in-law, Vi Luke.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family.
Gary was born on January, 15, 1950, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids, the son of George and Anna (Bell) Luke. He was raised in the Alburnett/Marion area and graduated from Alburnett High School in 1968. Gary excelled in football and wrestling and made many lifelong friends in high school. After graduation he married Ellen Forkner and they moved to Tucson, Arizona where he owned his own construction company with two other friends. He and Ellen later divorced and Gary returned to Cedar Rapids. Gary worked union construction for over 30 years and also started “Luke Built Trikes” with his brother, Don. He met many people throughout his life, either on a jobsite, his trike rides or a few watering holes. Some of his greatest joys were going to NASCAR races and Sturgis with friends. He loved meeting new people while riding his trike and he always had a joke to tell. His greatest joy the last 6 ½ years of his life was being “Papa”.
Gary is survived by the love of his life, Julie Auman and her family; his brothers, Richard Luke and Donald “Jackie” Luke; special daughters, Danielle and Damia “MeMe”; grandchildren, Colby, Nyla, Aubrey, Tatum and Presley; nephews, Rick, Joe, and Casey; nieces, Debby, Jamie and Emily; special friends, Lee Behrens and “Pepsi Bob” who always made sure Gary and Julie had anything they needed.
He was preceded in death by his parents; niece, Darcy Luke Davis; and sister-in-law, Vi Luke.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family.
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