Carl Kenneth Luke, 80

Carl Kenneth Luke passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2005, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell, at the age of 80.

He was born on Sept. 18, 1924, in the Sparks district northwest of Kalispell, the son of Frederick A. and Nora (Sweeney) Luke. Carl attended Sparks School and received his diploma from Flathead County High School in 1942.

He entered the U.S. Army on July 13, 1944. Carl served as a medical aidman, helping the wounded on the front lines. When he was wounded in the Philippines Campaign, at Mindano Philippine Islands, on June 5, 1945, he received the Purple Heart with oak leaf cluster, Good Conduct medal, ribbon with one Bronze Star, Silver Star, (a medical badge) and other ribbons. He was discharged (honorable) May 3, 1946.

Returning home, he worked in the family sawmill. Carl was living at the Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls, since March 5, 1998. He liked to go fishing, hunting and camping while working at his mine.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frederick and Nora; his brothers, Thomas Luke, Harold Luke, twins, Floyd and Lloyd Luke; sister, Goldie Chapman; along with nephew, Thomas Luke Jr.

He is survived by nieces, Wonita Drake and husband, Ernie, of Kalispell, Neila Chase and husband, Mick, of Kila, Janet Motichka and husband, Gary, of Polson, Judy Warner and husband, Joe, of Columbia Falls, LaVerne Lindsley of Columbia Falls, and Betty Smith and husband, Leo, of Whitefish; and nephews, Gordon Luke, Donald Luke and Bill McIntire and wife, Ann, of Kila.

Graveside services will be 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 8. Military honors will be conducted by the United Veterans of the Flathead. Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 7, at Johnson Mortuary.

The family suggests that any memorials be sent to Montana Veterans Home, P.O. Box 250 (in Carl's name) Columbia Falls, MT 59912.

Arrangements are under the direction of Johnson Mortuary and Crematory.