Gary T Lukens

MADISON / MARSHALL - Gary Thomas Lukens, age 73, of Marshall entered the gates of heaven on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at home surrounded by his loving family. He was born on March 6, 1951, in Madison, Wis., the son of Thomas and Violet Lukens. Gary graduated in 1969 from East High School.  

Gary married Kathy Deininger on November 26, 1983. Gary’s genuine love, affection, and willingness to lend a helping hand to all would be evident throughout his life. He became the owner of Lakeside Hardware, Hardware Hank on Lakeside Street in 1975. Gary was also part of the SBA during this time. In 1981 his store relocated to Park Street and served the community until 1985 at which point Gary began an impressive career in real estate. Gary grew his business to serve thousands of clients throughout Wisconsin. Gary’s desire to teach and motivate others in his profession prompted him to part of the Real Easte School and the CRS, Council of Residential Specialists where he would become Chapter President twice.

He was a long-time member of the East Side Club. Gary’s ambition to help others extended into his church life where he served in many offices and sang on the choir. He held a special place in his heart for Puerta Vallarta and traveled throughout his life. Gary was creative and enjoyed carpentry, restoring homes, building furniture and repairing cars. Gary was family oriented. He loved to host family get togethers, could be found traveling with his family, and attending his grandchildren sporting events/performances. He relaxed by playing card, bowling, socializing, bartending, being Santa Claus, music, singing Karaoke and being the life of the party.  

Gary is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Kathy; four children, Brent Lukens, Terri (Matt) Mohr, Brian (Nicole) Lukens and Chris (Nisha) Lukens; 12 grandchildren, Quan (Tiffany), Brenttnie (Trent), Luke (Adam), Halle, Morgan (Jamie), Mandi (Monty), Izzy, Noah, Arianna, Macal, Journey and Abraham; two great-grandsons, De’ion and Kash; sister, JoAnn Odegaard; brother, Mike (Gert) Lukens; mother-in-law, Dona Deininger, sister-in-law, Jeanne Deininger; brothers-in-law, Bryan (Jess) Deininger and Steve (Heather) Deininger; and a host of cousins, nephews and nieces, treasured friends, colleagues and associates. He was preceded in death by his parents, Tom and Vi; aunts and uncles; father-in-law, Al; brother-in-law, Jim Deininger; and sister, Karen (Dean) Fisher.

To honor Gary’s wishes a funeral service and celebration of life “party” will be held at MESSIAH LUTHERAN CHURCH, 5202 Cottage Grove Road, Madison, on Friday, March 7, 2025, beginning with visitation from 12 noon until 2 p.m. The funeral service starts at 2 p.m., with Pastor Jeff Vanden Heuvel presiding. Gary’s “party” will be held at THE EAST SIDE CLUB, 3735 Monona Drive, Madison, from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Friday. Come and enjoy a beverage, bite to eat and be ready to share a story or remembrance of Gary.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420