Eckhardt “Eck” Luken passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Friday, December 2, 2022, at the age of 81. Eck was born October 5, 1941, to parents, Helene and Arthur Luken in St. Ingbert, Germany. Eck immigrated with his family to Omaha, Nebraska in 1956 where he attended Central High School and the University of Omaha. In 1962 he married his wife, Judith Jean Pollreis.
Eck and Judi were blessed with four wonderful children. For most of their married lives the Lukens lived in the Chicago Suburbs of Batavia and Geneva, and also spent time at their summer home in Oxford, Wisconsin. Eck spent his career in sales and sales management positions at Purex Corp., International Playtex, and Duofold where he was VP of Sales before forming Mitchell & Luken Sports Sales, representing companies in the Sporting Goods Industry. After retirement, the Lukens spent time as “snowbirds” on the Emerald Coast of Florida and relocated to Miramar Beach in 2013, and then to Daphne, Alabama in 2021.
Eck served as Vice President of the Board of Gulf Cemetery in Santa Rosa Beach where he spent much of his volunteer time on cemetery operations. Eck enjoyed fishing, hiking, bicycling, and spending time with his children and grandchildren. He was a wonderful and much-loved husband, father, and grandfather.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his stepfather, George Luken; two brothers, Reiner, and Lothar; and his great-granddaughter, Piper.
Eck is survived by his loving wife, Judi; sons, Kent (Heather), Scott and Todd (Courtney); daughter, Kimberly (Tim) Lewis; grandchildren, Nikki (John) Csordas, Dan (Allie) Lewis, and Kaitlin Lewis; great-grandchildren, Carter, Oliver and River June; step-grandchildren, Mary, David and Evelyn Andel; brother, Lubbo (Brunhilde) Luken; sister-in-law, Michelene (Gary) Nissen; and many nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a celebration of life service at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 8271 Whispering Pines Road, Daphne, Alabama, on Saturday, December 17, 2022, at 11AM. Visitation will begin at 10:30AM. There will be a reception following the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Holy Trinity Lutheran Church where he was a member, or to Gulf Cemetery, Santa Rosa Beach, FL, or to Thomas Hospital, Fairhope, AL, where he received the special care of an outstanding nursing staff.
Expressions of condolence for the family may be made at www.hughesfh.com. Hughes Funeral Home, 26209 Pollard Road, Daphne, AL, is assisting the family.
We were very saddened to hear of Eck’s passing. Always enjoyed seeing him at Church and especially poker night at the Manning’s. Our Heart felt condolences to Judi, your children, and all your family and friends.
David and Kristin Behrel
Uncle Eck was a wonderful companion and caregiver to my dad (Lothar). I wonder if they are they’re together in heaven fishing and laughing! I’m so sorry for your loss. He was a wonderful man, husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend.
Tanya Luken
Judi, so sorry this happened. Thoughts and prayers are with you. Kirsten and Tanya are going to try to make it for the service. I am currently in Elgin, IL. Depending on Sharon’s memorial, I would also like to be there. God bless all of you.
Todd and Family
Deepest sympathies on the passing of your father. Prayers of comfort from your work family at BCBSA.
To Todd and his family,
On behalf of Todd’s colleagues at FEP Research, Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, please accept our deepest condolences. We are thinking of you and praying for you all.
Eck and I worked together at Shavers Food Market in Omaha. I was a good friend of his family and enjoyed many visits to the family home on Mayberry Street. Eck was my Best Man at my wedding on June 9, 1962. Eck was a good friend and a good man.