Edward G. LUTCHKA

OBITUARY OF EDWARD LUTCHKA 12-27-2017 My husband of 47 years passed away on 12/26/2017 at 6 pm. the evening of our Anniversary. He had suffered with Parkinson's disease for a number of years but it was only in the last three months that his condition deteriorated quickly due partly to a massive stroke. After that and other medical issues, he was affected with dementia that would blend in with his conversations and enter a different reality. Ed graduated from Schlarmann High in Danville Illinois, and almost immediately joined the Navy in 1951. He had the greatest memories and endless stories of his Navy companions and achievements that could keep you riveted for many an hour. After being honorably discharged in 1956, he went to Parks College and began to prepare for another career which he little suspected would span approximately 50 years. It began the day Mr. Mac came to Parks to “borrow” a few tech writers for the overload of work at McDonnell. He approached the men with the question: “Are any of you interested in part time work?” and of course Ed was quick to volunteer with the “renowned company” and thus began his new career. There he worked on such phenomenal projects as Sky Lab, the E-6 Jet that was invisible to radar, to the hovercraft and of course many Land to Air Missile Launchers which are in use today. His friends and co-workers became a team that connected and remained loyal friends to this day. As his wife I was ever so proud of him and his accomplishments, and the fact that he was selected both by both Mr. Mac and Boeing to travel to various locations to inspect, direct, and correct many of the projects, one of which in particular took him to Seattle. There he found great pleasure in panning for gold in the Three Mountain area. It was a subtle mixture of serious business and supreme pleasure, and I, as a teacher at the time, got to spend many a month with him on these excursions during my vacation period. Ed died very peacefully, just as if he were going to sleep, so God was very good to us that he left us quietly as had often been his habit of doing things. I never dreamed there could be such a team of hospice nurses and aides who would take hold of the reins and lead him gently and comfortably to his final rest. Anyone wishing to assist with these exceptional health care services please make donations to SSM Hospice, 2 Harbor Bend Ct #201, Lake St. Louis, MO 63367. Yes, we miss him so very much, but again, we thank God for His gracious goodness for a wonderful man who helped us learn a little more about living and giving. He was in truth a Gentle-man. In lieu of flowers, family and friends wishing to honor Edward's memory may contribute to SSM Hospice, 2 Harbor Bend Ct Ste 201, Lake St Louis, MO 63367.

Edward G. LUTCHKA

March 5, 1932 - December 26, 2017