Robert Charles Luker

Robert Charles Luker, 98, was born February 7, 1927 in Ulm, Arkansas, to Rev. Henry John Fredrick and Frances Martha Meta (nee Vanselow) Luker. He died peacefully of natural causes on August 12, 2025, at Sunrise Senior Living in Plano, Texas.

Robert’s education started in a one room grammar school in the rural town of Augusta, Missouri with his father, a Lutheran minister, teaching all eight grades. With fond memories, he told many stories about his early years, especially during the Great Depression. After graduating from Augusta High School in 1944, at the age of 17, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served as a petty officer second class until he was honorably discharged in 1946.

Robert graduated from the University of Missouri in 1949 with a B.S. in Business Administration - Accounting and moved to Chicago in 1950 where he met his wife, Ruth. He married in 1953 and became a Certified Public Accountant that same year. While raising four children, born between 1954 – 1959, he earned his MBA from Northwestern University in 1955 and became an Enrolled Agent to practice before the Internal Revenue Service in 1962. He worked for three companies during his 45-year business career starting as a senior auditor for Arthur Andersen & Co., serving as Controller for The Pyle National Company and working his way up to Vice President of Finance for Gerber Plumbing Fixtures Corp. where he worked for 30 years. He was honored to be considered part of the Gerber family and treasured the time he worked for their company. He was highly respected with his guidance and advice helping the company grow and prosper.

Robert was a numbers person and loved using his accounting background to create financial spreadsheets, prepare financial analyses and give financial advice. He kept receipts and tracked expenses dating back to the cost of his honeymoon in 1953. At the age of 68, his retirement gift was a computer. Never having used a computer, he enrolled in the local junior college and learned how to use financial software to create his spreadsheets, making his handwritten accounting ledgers obsolete.

Robert was a devout Christian and dedicated his life to the church. He was a member of St. Peter Lutheran Church in Arlington Heights, Illinois for 54 years, where he served in various church offices including Vice-President, Chairman of the Finance Committee, Elder and Auditor. He was well known by the congregants as he ushered them to their seats on Sunday mornings. He was also a member of Messiah Lutheran Church in Plano, Texas for 10 years.

Robert loved to travel. Every summer, he would pack up the station wagon and take his family across the United States to various destinations, many times visiting friends and relatives along the way. As his children got older, he took them to all seven continents. He was in his full glory exploring the world with his family by his side.

Robert loved golfing and bowling as well as watching his St. Louis Cardinals play baseball on TV. If he was not listening to music, his TV would be tuned in to golf tournaments or baseball games. He was an avid reader and stayed on top of current events. His day was not complete until he read the local newspaper. He kept his business acumen sharp by reading business periodicals including the Journal of Accountancy which he read well into his 80’s. He would send all kinds of informative articles that he had read to his children.

Best known for his generosity, Robert lived his philosophy in life which is “you get back more than what you give.” He generously gave to charities, family, and friends. If someone needed financial help, whether to pay for college tuition or help pay some bills, Robert stepped in without being asked. His charitable volunteer work included serving as Director and President of the Skokie Valley United Way.

Robert, and Ruth, had many lifelong friends. They enjoyed getting together for celebrations, parties, lunches, and dinners as well as playing bridge, poker, golf, and bowling. A traditional highlight was spending a weekend every fall at Lake Lawn Lodge in Wisconsin with their close St. Peter friends.

Robert is survived by his four children: Sharon Luker of Plano, Texas; Carol (James) Walsh of Flat Rock, North Carolina; Donald Luker of Gurnee, Illinois; and Kenneth Luker of Los Angeles, California; his grandchildren: Tyler Luker of Plano, Texas; Timarie Luker of San Marcos, Texas; and Zachary Luker of Gurnee, Illinois; his twin sister Roberta Stelzer of Ellisville, Missouri, as well as his many nieces and nephews.

Robert was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Ruth Loraine (nee Elser) Luker, of 56 years. He was also preceded in death by his parents, as well as his siblings: Helen Dehn, Edgar Luker, Lucille Olson, Henry Luker, Evelyn Lippert, and Irene Calvin.

Visitation will be from 12:15 p.m. until 12:45 p.m., Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at St. Peter Lutheran Church, 111 W. Olive Street, Arlington Heights, with a funeral service to follow at 12:45. Interment will be at Memory Gardens Cemetery, Arlington Heights.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to St. Peter Lutheran School, 111 W. Olive Street, Arlington Heights, IL 60004.