Jeanette E. Luckow

Born during a decade of great change, the culture of the nation was quickly moving forward as many placed enormous confidence in the promise of science and technology. With inventions like the telephone and the traffic light, it seemed as though there would be no end to the many possibilities ahead. For William and Bertha (Rohde) Spies, the future was filled with promise and hope as they welcomed the birth of Jeanette into their lives on June 30, 1910 in the bustling city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Growing up with her siblings, Jeanette enjoyed a childhood filled with neighborhood friends and attended the local schools. With the onset of World War I, many young men were called off to war, but it was only the beginning of the many things that Jeanette would live to see and experience throughout her long life. Just as the economy was picking up and hope was renewed following the war, the Great Depression caused much hardship and struggle throughout the U.S., and Jeanette’s family was no exception.

Jeanette’s life took an entirely new direction when she met a dashing young man named William F. Luckow. Quite smitten with one other, the two courted for a time and on May 4, 1935, they were blessed in marriage before family and friends in Milwaukee. Before long, the young couple welcomed the birth of their son Donald. Jeanette loved being a mother and tended to Donald and their household. Some years later, she decided to find work outside the home and took on a position as a teller at Mutual Savings and Loan where she remained for over 20 years.

Over the years, Jeanette continued to see many changes in her world. Having made their home in Milwaukee, Jeanette and William eventually made a move to a slower pace of life when they retired in 1973. They moved north to the town of Townsend, Wisconsin located on beautiful Boot Lake where the area offered Jeanette and William a peaceful lifestyle rich with fishing opportunities and tranquil days.

Jeanette became an active member of St. John Lutheran Church where she was involved in the Ladies Aid Society and many bible studies. She spent her free time enjoying the outdoors where she loved feeding and watching the birds. She had quite a collection of antique dolls that she held dear, and for most of her life, she kept a detailed diary that she penned daily. The years in Townsend afforded them many friendships throughout the years as well, and she truly loved her life there.

Following 52 years of marriage, William sadly died in 1987. After his death, Jeanette remained in Townsend, holding close to the life they had there together. However, as the years began to take their toll Jeanette returned to Milwaukee in 2002 and due to her poor health she became a resident at South Shore Manor.

At the age of 99, Jeanette Luckow of St. Francis, Wisconsin found peace on Sunday, August 30, 2009. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Donald A. (Peggy J.) Luckow, of Milwaukee; her niece, Eunice Beckstrom as well as other relatives and friends. Besides her husband, she was also preceded in death by her brothers, Archer and Emory Spies.

Visitation with Jeanette’s family will take place on Wednesday, September 2 at Suminski Funeral Home from 5:00 PM until time of service at 7:00 PM and on Friday, September 4 at St. John Lutheran Church in Townsend from 12:00 PM until time of Service at 1:00 PM. Interment at Forest Home Cemetery in Townsend. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Jeanette’s memory may be made to St. John Lutheran Church, Townsend, WI or St. John’s Lutheran Church, Oak Creek, WI. Please visit

www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory or to sign her online guest register.