Barbara Ann (Bernett) Lukas

Franksville -- Surrounded by the love of her family, Barbara A. Lukas, age 61, passed away Thursday, May 20, 2010, at her home following a short and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Barbara was born in Racine, October 28, 1948,daughter of Spencer and Elizabeth “Betty” (Nee: Zilla) Bernett.

Barbara graduated from Wm. Horlick High School “Class of 1966,” and attended Gateway Technical College and the University of Wisconsin-Parkside. On August 5, 1972, she was united in marriage to Thomas J. Lukas. Barbara was employed by the City of Racine Water Department as an accountant / bookkeeper, and later by Tenneco Aviation as Office Manager.

Her joys in life were her family, her winter escapes to Mexico and other exotic locales, time spent at the family cottage in Wautoma, watching nature’s animals, planting flowers and vegetables and reveling in their growth, watching her “Stories,” and anything to do with “Kitty Cats.” She was affectionately known at the “Cat Lady” in Franksville, due to her love and compassion for stray animals. Barbara also was a wonderful cook who created dishes that were works of art, all without the use of recipes.

She was a very selfless person, always putting friends and family first; she was the cornerstone of the Lukas and Bernett families. Barbara had an endless capacity for empathy, and an unyielding strength; she was the archetypical strong woman, and a role model for young and old alike. If three words could describe her they would be Strength, Beauty and Grace. Barbara was a devoted wife, mother, friend and confidant. She will be dearly missed.

Surviving are her husband, Tom; sons, Shaun and Danny; mother, Betty Bernett; sisters and brothers, Laura Bernett, Linda (David) Peterson, Stuart Bernett, Karen (Marvin) Yakos, Steven Bernett, Spencer Bernett Jr.; her uncle, William Zilla; the daughter she never had, niece Nicole Bernett; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Don (Joanne) Lukas, David (Sharon) Lukas; very special and close friend, Florence Johnson; friend, Ann Santi; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her father, Spencer Bernett; and son, Shane Lukas.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, May 26, 2010, at 11 a.m. at Franksville United Methodist Church, 10402 Northwestern Ave., with Reverend Kay Glennon officiating. Interment will follow at Caledonia Memorial Park Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet Wednesday at the church from 9:30 a.m. until time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family have been suggested so they may donate to the animal shelters that Barbara had supported thru the years.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Mary Jensen of Wheaton Franciscan Hospice for her loving and compassionate care.

MARESH-MEREDITH & ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME
803 Main St., Racine  (262) 634-7888