Larry L. Lukasiewicz

Larry L. Lukasiewicz, 86, of Farwell, died Wednesday, June 20, 2018, at his home, surrounded by his family. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Monday at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Farwell. The Revs. David Rykwalder, Richard Piontkowski, Thomas Ryan and Greg Pawloski will con-celebrate the Mass. Burial will be in the St. Anthony's Catholic Cemetery near Farwell, with graveside military honors by Carl Mogensen American Legion Post 119 of St. Paul. Visitation will be Sunday from 3 to 5 p.m. at the church, with a 5 p.m. vigil service and Knights of Columbus rosary. Peters Funeral Home of St. Paul is assisting the family. Larry was born on Feb. 4, 1932, near Elba, the son of George A. and Gertrude A. (Pawloski) Lukasiewicz. He later moved to the family farm northwest of Farwell, where he attended country schools and was a 1950 graduate of Farwell High School. He then attended Milford Tech School where he received a degree in welding, graduating in 1952. He served in the United States Army from Dec. 1952 until his discharge in Dec. 1954. He was united in marriage to Kayleen A. Yocum on Sept. 3, 1960, at St. Mary's Cathedral in Grand Island. The couple lived on the family farm until 1973, when they moved into Farwell. Larry began working at Sperry New Holland in 1967, where he worked until his retirement in 1990, but he continued to farm and raise cattle the rest of his life. Larry was an active member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Paplin, until 1973, when the family became members of St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Farwell. He served on the parish council, was a religious education teacher, sang in the mens choir and was active in the Cursillo movement in the Grand Island Diocese. He was a longtime member of the Carl Mogensen American Legion Post 119 of St. Paul where he was a past Commander and served for many years on the funeral color guard. He belonged to Knights of Columbus Council 1918 of St. Paul of which he was a former Grand Knight. He served for over 25 years as a board member for the village of Farwell. He was also a president of the Farwell Improvement Committee and was instrumental in the building of the community center. He was a member of the Eagles, Platt-Duetsche, Platte Valley Sams camping group and was one of the first board members of the Polish Heritage Center in Ashton. He enjoyed farming, polka music and singing for many funerals and area celebrations. In his younger years he was involved in basketball and softball leagues and was a longtime bowler. He enjoyed camping and going on cruises and he and Kayleen loved to travel throughout the United States and to many places around the world. He dearly loved his grandchildren and leaves behind his beloved dog, Snickers. He is survived by his wife, Kayleen; children and spouses, Shelley and Daniel Hill of Papillion; Sister Lucy Lukasiewicz of Prayer Town, Texas, Philip and Tracey Lukasiewicz of Farwell and Jolene and Jeff Lies of Omaha; 12 grandchildren, Lukas and Lauren Hill, Logan and Nancy Hill, Eilish Hill; Jordyn, Jared and Joseph Lukasiewicz; and Micheal, Sarah, Matthew, Aaron, Caleb and Jacob Lies; 3 great-grandchildren, Brady, Brody and Sophia Hill; a brother-in-law, Gary Spak of Mercer Island, WA; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Jeanette Spak. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be given to Disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, Polish Heritage Center or St. Anthony's Catholic Church.