Lucas Parker Mattson

We are so proud of him, not only for what he had accomplished but more importantly, the man he was. Lucas was kind, thoughtful, cared for everyone, and was brilliant. Lucas would call home daily and text message multiple times a day telling us about his classes, plans for the day, friends, and activities. We met his college friends, and they shared amazing stories of their friendship, his kindness, and his dreams. They described his smile, laugh, and how his personality would make a room glow.

Lucas was a National Honor Society member who earned an academic scholarship to attend the University of Michigan studying civil engineering. He was on track to graduate a year early. He had just earned an internship at a civil engineering firm in Juneau, Alaska which he planned to work at during Summer 2026.

Lucas was the most “unfailingly kind soul” we have ever known! Lucas had a great passion for music, he taught himself how to play piano by ear at age 4 1⁄2 and by age 5 he requested to take piano lessons which he took from 5 years of age through the fifth grade. He loved all music and shared that love with his friends and family, sometimes sending them 80-song playlists.

Lucas had a passion for life and enjoyed sports such as tennis (state championships), soccer, and golf (he taught three friends how to play and would play daily whether by himself or with friends). He ran his first half marathon and was training and planning for future races. He enjoyed hiking, rock climbing, fishing, and spending time with his friends and family.

Such a senseless loss.

Lucas is the great grandchild of former Juneau Mayor Larry Parker. His “Papa” (Grandpa), Karl Schoeppe, was a captain on the Alaska Marine Highway system for 30+years.

Lucas was planning to enroll in a master’s program after graduating from the University of Michigan early. In 2025, he enrolled in summer school through Arizona State University, where he took Physics and Physics lab. He said he wanted to “get a head start” for his second year of course work at the University of Michigan.

Lucas has known since second grade that he wanted to be an engineer. His second-grade teacher pulled us aside one day and shared that Lucas completed an entire math packet of “new math” that she taught that day in 1 days’ worth of recess and was asking her for more math homework, as much as she could give him. We will never forget how Lucas watched and listened to us talking to his teacher then running over to “beg” us, “please” to let him! Lucas has always had the drive and determination to excel in all areas of life.

That is our son... that was our son.

We will always love you, Lucas!

Your forever proud Mom and Dad.