Leo E. Luke

Leo Edward Luke of the Tri-C community near Clyde, Missouri, passed away surrounded by family, Thursday, October 10, 2024 at Village Care Center in Maryville, Missouri, at the age of 89.

He was born Sunday, June 16, 1935, at the home of his parents Alphonse and Regina (Untiedt) Luke, east of Clyde, Missouri. He lived in the Tri-C community all his life. He was a 1953 graduate of Jefferson High School.

Leo was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Jeannie, in 1976, and his brothers, Roger, Hubert, Arthur, and Alfred Luke. Leo was later united in marriage to Viola Wiederholt Stiens on July 8, 1978 at St. Gregory’s Catholic Church in Maryville.

Survivors include his wife, Viola Luke of the home, his children Daniel (Lisa) Luke, Stanberry, MO, Marilyn (Kenton) Johnson, Bedford, IA, Mark (Veronica) Luke, Stanberry, and Ron Luke, Stanberry; step-children Larry (Charlotte) Stiens, Maryville, Wanda Young, Osborn, MO, David (Theresa) Stiens, Maryville, Christine (Mike) Mattson, Conception Jct., MO, Sheryl (Steve) Ginther, Maryville; 23 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Also surviving is his brother Louis Luke of St. Joseph, MO, three sisters – Mary (Harry) Schieber of Maryville, Christine (Jerry) Jones of Albuquerque, NM, and Joan Aebersold of Savannah, MO, sister-in-laws Joan Luke and Bea Luke, Stanberry, Patty Luke, Platte City, MO, and Kate Luke, Brighton, CO.

Farming was Leo’s passion. He enjoyed raising cattle and row crops. He had a particular fondness for haying season. His dedication and hard work on the farm leaves a lasting legacy for his family and community.

Leo was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #1931 and the American Legion Post 464. Leo was deployed to Korea during his time in the United States Army.

He cherished family gatherings and took great pleasure in cooking on the grill for everyone creating memories that will be treasured by all who knew him. He found joy in spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Services celebrating Leo’s life will be held at St. Columba Catholic Church in Conception Jct., MO. A rosary will be held at 4:30 p.m. on Monday, October 14, followed by visitation until 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be conducted on Tuesday, October 15 at 10:00 a.m. Burial will be in St. Columba Cemetery.

Pallbearers will include grandsons Austin Luke, Dalton Luke, Kyle Yehle, Brad Mattson, Craig Stiens, Keith Luke, and Brent Ginther.

Memorial contributions in Leo’s name may be directed to the St. Columba Catholic Church Renovation Fund.

Services are under the direction of the Bram Funeral Home, Maryville, Missouri.