John D. Lucas II, 89, of Ontario passed away Saturday, Jan. 9, 2016, at Vernon Manor in Viroqua.
John was born Sept. 5, 1926, to John D. and Idella Mae (Nixon) Lucas I in Birmingham, N.J. He was a World War II veteran, serving in the US Army from 1943-1946. He married Sylvia Atkinson, and together they had three lovely children. She passed away in 1997.
John worked as a skilled carpenter all of his life. This was a profession well suited for him because of his attention to fine details. In 2004, John married Betty Hope Potter at Faith Independent Baptist Church in Ontario, where they were faithful members. John was a man of deep, spiritual faith. He was very proud to have been saved and served the Lord. He was also instrumental in gently helping many other family members and dear friends find their way to the Lord.
John had a compassionate heart and a genuine love of life. His smile and jokes could light up a room. John could do heel kicks at 89 years old better than most 18-year-olds. He loved to laugh and make others laugh and will be missed dearly by many.
John is survived by his sons, John III (Jen) Lucas and Paul (Janet) Lucas, both of Ontario, and Daniel (Rose) Lucas of Rhinelander, Wis.; a brother, Rodman W. Lucas of New Jersey; five grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild due in April; along with other relatives and many friends.
John was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Sylvia; his wife, Betty; and 15 brothers and sisters, Ella A. Haines, Tom “Wilkins,” Mary E. Rinehart, Cecil D., Earle F., Gladys, Lyman H., Harvey L., Ridgeway P., Ivins K. “Ivy,” George L., Alfred D., Emmerson, Aaron, and Dorothy M. Vogelman.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 12, at Faith Independent Baptist Church in Ontario, WI. Pastor Michael Gjefle will officiate. Burial will follow at a later date in the Pemberton Baptist Cemetery in New Jersey.
Family and friends are invited for visitation Tuesday from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the church.
The Torkelson Funeral Home of Ontario is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.
