Dr. Michael Thomas Lukert, age 78, a former resident of Edinboro since 1967 and more recently a resident of Westlake Woods Assisted Living, died on January 1, 2016 at his residence.? Born in Kansas City, Missouri on June 28, 1937, he was the son of the late George Gordon Lukert and Bonita Ellen Gardner Lukert.
?? Dr. Lukert graduated from Buckley-Loda High School and went on to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Geology in 1960 from the University of Illinois, a Masters from Northern Illinois University in 1962 and his PhD from Case Western Reserve in 1973. He began teaching Geology in 1967 at what was then Edinboro State College. He retired from the Geoscience department of Edinboro University after 32 years of teaching in 1999.
During his tenure at EUP, Dr. Lukert was an active member of APSCUF. Dr. Lukert spent many of his summers mapping for the VA Department of Mineral Resource, in particular, the geology of the Massies Corner, the Flint Hill and the Linden quadrangles. He loved to spend time with his family, particularly his grandchildren. He was an avid reader, cruciverbalist and Civil War buff. He enjoyed camping and hiking, spending time with his friends at the Edinboro Hotel, and mentoring students.
Preceding him in death was the love of his life, Emmalou Grace, whom he married on August 20, 1961 in Mendota, Ill, his brother, Otto Harry Lukert, and a grandson, George Albert Brown.? Survivors include his three children, Claudia Grace Lukert and her husband, David Howell of Harrisburg, PA,? George Michael Lukert and his wife Shawna of Boston, N.Y, and Bonita Alice Brown and her husband David of Lancaster, NY; nine grandchildren: Ian Matthew Lukert, Danielle Brown, Justin Brown, Alexandria Emmalou Lukert-Howell, Morgan Lukert, Cullen Brown, Madison Lukert-Howell, Logan Lukert and Connor Brown; also, three sisters, Judy Bowman, Joan Wofford and Aletha Kalish; and several nieces and nephews and friends too numerous to count.
Friends may call at the Van Matre Family Funeral Home, 306 Erie Street, Edinboro, on Friday, January 8, 2016 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. and on Saturday morning at the Edinboro United Methodist Church, 113 High Street, from 10:00 until 11:00 a.m. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Lisa Grant officiating. Committal service and burial will be in Mendota, Ill at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 16, 2016.
Memorial donations in lieu of flowers may be made to either the Franco Dipillo Memorial Scholarship or the Dr. Carolyn J. Merry Geosciences Scholarship Funds online at your.edinboro.edu/scholarships-endowments.
George & family – Our deepest condolences on the loss of your father. He was a truly generous and colorful person and he will not be forgotten in the lives he reached and touched in his many years. Truly sorry to hear of your loss.
Judy, Joan, Aletha – Saw in the Paxton paper where your brother,Michael died. Your mother, Bonnie used to work in the grocery store in Loda for my parents, Carroll and Marilyn Elliott. They have since both passed away. I remember playing ball in your yard many years ago. Sorry for your loss and wanted you to know we are thinking of you.
Mike was a great guy and will be missed. My heart breaks for Claudia and her family. The loss of a Dad is never forgotten. He will always be only a thought away and always remembered. Please know that you have many friends and family who share your pain. Remember the Love.
Claudia, Dave & Family:
Remembering you and your father, Dr. Lukert, in our minds and in our hearts.
Claudia and family:
Sad for your loss. May the wonderful memories you have sustain you through this time sadness.
Claudia & family please accept my sincere sympathy.
You will surely remember all the great vacations and time shared throughout the years.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and yours!
Claudia & family – our thoughts & prayers are with you at this sad time. He will always be in your heart.