Joe Lukert was born April 30, 1954, in Seward, the son of Lester Lee and Faye Fern (Hemsath) Lukert and passed away Feb. 19, 2026, in Rapid City, South Dakota, at the age of 71 years, 9 months and 20 days.
Joe grew up in Seward, where he attended and graduated from Seward High School with the Class of 1972. He then went on to attend SCC in Milford where he studied Welding. On Nov. 15, 1975, Joe was united in marriage to Sandy Hopkins in Seward. Joe worked at Walker Manufacturing Co. until the family moved to Gillette, Wyoming, where Joe worked for 40 years in the coal mines.
Joe loved riding his four-wheeler, fishing and camping in the Wyoming mountains. He was extremely proud of his yard and flowers; he was told by many that his lawn looked like carpet. Joe loved spending time with his grandchildren as much as possible.
In his younger years, he and Sandy enjoyed square dancing and being part of the club Levi and Lace. Joe loved everything to do with Apple computers and products. Joe also taught himself to play the piano and organ by ear. Before and after his retirement, he enjoyed working on crafts made out of plastic canvases such as a working train, a cabin with all the amenities, a barn that he just finished and Kleenex boxes. Joe even liked to do macrame, diamond art and latch hook.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents.
Survivors cherishing his memory include his daughter and son-in-law, Angie and Jeremy Weinmeister, son, Josh Lukert, all of Gillette, Wyoming; four grandchildren, Kolby and wife Kylee Dunstan, Shyla Dunstan, Skyler Dunstan and Catherine Weinmeister, all of Gillette; sister, Debbie Lukert, Seward; brother, Brian Lukert, Wilber; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Visitation will be Tuesday, Feb. 24, from 1 – 6 p.m. at Zabka-Perdue Funeral Home in Seward with family receiving friends from 3 – 5 p.m. The funeral service is at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 25, at the funeral home with interment at the Seward Cemetery.
Arrangements by Zabka-Perdue Funeral Home.
