Jack Luukkonen Obituary

Jackie "Jack" Donald Luukkonen
December 31, 1937 – July 6, 2025
Jackie "Jack" Donald Luukkonen of Toivola, Michigan, passed away on July 6, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones, closing a life defined by love, resilience, humor, and an adventurous spirit.
Born in Calumet, Michigan on December 31, 1937, to Sakarias and Lyyli (Savola) Luukkonen, Jack was raised in the small Finnish community of Toivola. From a young age, he embraced the values of hard work, family, and self-reliance, and developed a lifelong love for hunting, fishing, and the outdoors.
He was a proud Army veteran, having served from 1955 to 1957 in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Fort Benning, Georgia. After graduating from Aquinas College with a bachelor's degree in accounting, Jack began working for the State of Michigan. He eventually retired from the Department of Corrections, where he served as an audit manager.
In 1957, Jack married the love of his life, Nancy. Together they built a life full of travel, laughter, and devotion. Eventually, they made Grand Ledge, Michigan their long-term home, where they raised four children and later, one of their grandchildren with strong values and deep love.
Jack had a sharp wit and a kind heart. He was outgoing, friendly, funny, and compassionate. He made friends easily and never missed an opportunity to brighten someone's day. He enjoyed cross-country skiing, spending time with friends and family, enjoying pizza at DeLuca's restaurant, listening to music, and especially returning to his cherished home in Toivola. He also had a special place in his heart for animals, and his beloved kitty Smee was a constant companion.
Jack bravely fought prostate cancer for 19 years, facing every day with sisu, a Finnish term that captures the strength, grit, and determination that so deeply defined him. He was fiercely proud of his Finnish heritage and embodied its spirit in all he did.
After Nancy's passing, Jack found renewed faith and a deep devotion to God, which brought him peace and purpose in his final years.
He is survived by his children Jack Luukkonen Jr. of Au Train, Michigan, and Denise Herweyer of Juno Beach, Florida; his brother William Luukkonen of Toivola, Michigan; his sister Shirley Luukkonen of Hancock, Michigan; his daughter-in-law Carole Luukkonen of Charlotte, Michigan; his grandchildren Alyson, Eli, Ben, Emma, Harley, and Hannah; and his cat Smee. He will also be missed by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends, including the Fernelius family and the Harma family.
Jack was preceded in death by his beloved wife Nancy, his son David Luukkonen, his daughter Valerie Luukkonen, and his brother Walter Luukkonen.
He often said he was "running against the wind" a testament to his fearless and determined approach to life. Jack was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, veteran, and friend. He leaves behind a legacy of strength, love, and unwavering spirit.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jack's memory to McLaren Hospice and Homecare Foundation, Attention: Donations, 1515 Cal Drive, Davison, Michigan 48423 or Saved by Zade, P.O. Box 27, Eaton Rapids, Michigan 48827 (https://savedbyzade.com/make-a-donation/). A service will be held at a later time. Arrangements by the Holihan-Atkin-Barclay Funeral Home, Grand Ledge. Share your memories and condolences online at www.holihanatkin.com