Kenneth J. "Luke" Lukaszewski

Kenneth J. “Luke” Lukaszewski, age 75, of Rollingstone, MN, passed away on Saturday, November 2, 2024, in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his wife and loved ones. How appropriate it was for him to be called home on the opening day of trapping season.

He was born on June 4, 1949, in Winona, to Frank and Florence (Blank) Lukaszewski. Following high school, Kenny completed training in welding and as a tool and die maker at the Western Technical College in La Crosse. He began employment with Peerless Chain Company in 1967, where he was a member of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers. In 1996, Kenny started his own business, Power Tech Prop Repair, which he ran for over 20 years.

He married Susan Meyerhoff on April 12, 2000, at their home in Rollingstone.

Kenny was an avid trapper for over 67 years, and he found great peace in trapping. A one-of-a-kind river legend and man of the swamp, Ken was one of the best trappers of the pool, and with his great wealth of knowledge, he mentored many when it came to the outdoors. He often trapped by “moonlight,” which was a term he used to refer to the bright spot of sunlight that would shine into the darkness under the ice. Kenny’s friends enjoyed running into him at the landing, and they knew that it would be a conversation of an hour or more!

He will be remembered for his great mechanical abilities. An expert welder, he built boats, trailers, decking, as well as two homes. Kenny was always a perfectionist who took great pride in his work. 

Kenny loved his babies – his black lab golden, Baka, and his black lab, Ninga. Baka was lucky to go goose and duck hunting with Kenny in Canada, but he never took Sue.

Some of Kenny’s favorite sayings were: “Tell your buddy to get that ring out of his nose so he can hunt!” -“I ain’t got time to talk – I’m on a trapping schedule!” - “Those mud boats gotta have pods on da back!”- “I don’t like it!! Don’t do dat to me!” – “That duck gave us da whatta matter you – eyy, yii, yii!” – “Have a Blue Smoothie (Busch Light).” - and to Charlie, “Hey kid, it’s me, stay outta dos taverns!”

He will be deeply missed by all those who knew and loved him the most.

Kenny is lovingly survived by his wife, Sue; daughter, Sarah Lambert; 2 granddaughters; and his brother, Jimmy “Pie” (Kristine Schroeder) Lukaszewski. He was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother, Ronald.

A celebration of Kenny’s life will be held at the Hideaway Tavern and Grill (formerly Ginny’s Restaurant) in Rollingstone on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, beginning at 4 PM. Those attending are asked and encouraged to please wear their camo or outdoor apparel in honor of Kenny.

Kenny will be laid to rest at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Winona at a later date with family and friends.

Online condolences or memories may be left for Kenny’s family at www.watkowski-mulyck.com.