Jackie Luukkonen

Born in Calumet on Dec. 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 1955-57 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; his sister, Shirley Luukkonen of Hancock; 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 or Saved by Zade. A memorial service will be held Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025, at 11 a.m. at the Holihan-Atkin-Barclay Funeral Home, Grand Ledge (517-627-2531). Visitation will be one hour prior to the service from 10-11 a.m. A luncheon will be served immediately following the service.

A memorial service for Jack’s family and friends in Toivola will be held Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025, 11 a.m. at the Range Apostolic Lutheran Church, 11 Whealkate Avenue, South Range, Michigan 49963. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service from 10-11 a.m. A luncheon will immediately follow the service at the church. Inurnment will follow the luncheon at Toivola Cemetery.

Arrangements by the Holihan-Atkin-Barclay Funeral Home, Grand Ledge. Share your memories and condolences online at www.holihanatkin.com.