Thomas Lukens

MADISON/SUN PRAIRIE- Thomas Robert Lukens age 87, of Madison, entered into heaven on Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2012, at Agrace HospiceCare, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on March 27, 1924, in Philadelphia, Pa., the son of Gordon and Josephine (Murphy) Lukens. Thomas married Violet Marie Bailey on March 31, 1950. Thomas attended both Central and Edgewood High Schools. He joined the U.S. Army during World War II, where he served in the Battle of the Bulge, achieving three battle stars. After the military, he worked at Dean Clinic, and then went to Oscar Mayer, where he worked for 32 years. After retirement, Tom and Vi moved to the Phoenix/Surprise, Ariz. area for 10 years, returning in April 2004. They loved to travel and visit different casinos. Thomas also enjoyed sports, bowling, and playing cards. Thomas is survived by his children; JoAnne Odegaard, Michael (Gert) Lukens, Karen (Dean) Fisher, and Gary (Kathy) Lukens, all of the Madison area; 10 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and special friend, Lucille Mandt. Thomas was preceded in death by his parents; wife; and several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. Funeral services will be held at BURKE LUTHERAN CHURCH, 5720 Portage Road, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 20, 2012, with the Rev. Josh Ehrler presiding. Burial will be at Highland Memory Gardens. Visitation will be at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m., on Thursday, Jan. 19, 2012, and at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday. Cemetery: Burial will be at Highland Memory Gardens. Visitation will be at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m., on Thursday, Jan. 19, 2012, and at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday. Funeral services will be held at BURKE LUTHERAN CHURCH, 5720 Portage Road, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 20, 2012, with the Rev. Josh Ehrler presiding.