Charlotte Ann Lukes

Charlotte Lukes, age 89 of Neillsville died peacefully on Thursday, December 5th at the Neillsville Health Care and Rehabilitation Center. Visitation will be held from 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM on Friday, December 6th at the Gesche Funeral Home in Neillsville, WI. The memorial service will be conducted at 11:00 AM on Saturday, December 7th at the Gesche Funeral Home with a one hour visitation before the service. The Rev. Bjerke will officiate with music provided by Corinne Armitage and Drew Lukes.Charlotte is survived by her devoted and loving husband, Henry (Neillsville, WI), daughter Ann (Gary) Thacher of Cannon Falls, MN, son Thomas (Nancy) of Reedsburg, WI and son Gary (Ruth) of Spring Valley, WI; (9) grandchildren: Lori, Jennifer, Autumn, Casie, Dayn, Drew, Dylan, Anna, Lauren; (5) great grandchildren: Nicole, Grant, Gabe, Falon, Adalynn; one brother, Hugh Gibson of Madison, WI and a host of other relatives and friends that played an important part in her life. She was preceded in death by one brother and one sister.Charlotte was born on December 7, 1923 in New Lisbon, WI to Henry and Anna (Smith) Gibson. She was raised in New Lisbon and after graduation from high school she attended nursing school in Rochester, MN where she received her degree as a Registered Nurse. Charlotte and Henry were married on June 11, 1946 and moved around to LaCrosse, WI and Janesville, WI before settling down in Neillsville, WI to raise their family of three. Charlotte always enjoyed moving to different homes in Neillsville until finally "staying put" at their current home on West 5th Street. Charlotte spent most of her working career in the nursing field although for a period of time she was part owner of Charlyn's Yarn shop with her good friend Marilyn Ringstad. She became quite adept at knitting and crocheting and produced many sweaters and afghans for her children and grandchildren. Charlotte had a feisty spirit, a great sense of humor, a constant twinkle in her eye and a wonderful gift of giving to any and all. She was an avid reader, enjoyed many an hour on the golf course, hosted bridge parties and managed to beat Henry a time or two at cribbage. Charlotte was known to drop a dime or two at the casinos but managed to win it all back playing Blackjack with friends and family in her home. (Her "hat" parties were famous). She was devoted to her husband, her children, her grandchildren and great grandchildren and rarely missed an athletic event or concert that her family was involved in. Henry and Charlotte embraced life as snowbirds after their retirement by spending the harsh winters down in Florida. There was quite a contingent of "Neillsville folk" at that time in Florida to have fun in the sun with. Their home in Florida was always open to family and friends to visit.Memorials can be made to the Neillsville Care and Rehabilitation Center or the Alzheimer's Association. Condolences may be made online at www.geschefh.com.Funeral Home:Gesche Funeral Home4 South Grand AvenueNeillsville, WIUS 54456