John "Jack" Lucey

John E. (Jack) Lucey passed away on Sunday, April 24, 2022, surrounded by his wife and daughters.

Jack was the fourth son born to Donald and Mildred (Cassidy) Lucey at the home farm in Gays Mills, WI.  He graduated from Gays Mills High School in 1956.  He was a star basketball and baseball player.

He attended UW-Platteville and later enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve. He was a member of the local Army Corps of Engineers unit located in the Army Reserve Center in Onalaska for six years.  In 1960, he began his career with the WI Department of Transportation.  He supervised many large construction projects including the Party House cut on Hwy. 14/61/35.  He retired in 1996.

Jack married Kathleen (Keilholtz) on February 4, 1967 in La Crosse, WI and they had two daughters, Jada and Erin.

He enjoyed returning to the home farm and for many years. He and his brother, Tom, hobby farmed planting corn, tobacco and received an award for planting 20,000 oak, walnut, and maple trees.  Turkey and deer hunting with relatives and friends was an annual event.  For many years, he played basketball and softball on La Crosse teams, bowled and enjoyed many fishing trips to Canada.  During his retirement years, he enjoyed golf, especially the 19th hole, and a competitive game of euchre.  He also enjoyed many a card game in his ‘infamous shed’ with his friends throughout the years.

He was very proud of his Irish heritage and was honored to be the La Crosse Shamrock Club Irish Man of Year in 2003.

He was predeceased by his parents, four brothers: James, William, Thomas and Michael; sisters-in-law, Shirley Lucey, Helen Lucey, and Esther Skjerly; brothers-in-law, Charles C. Keilholtz and  Duane Keilholtz and in-laws, Charles N. and Esther Keilholtz.

Jack is survived by his wife, Kathleen, daughters Jada (Mark) Martinez of San Diego, CA and Erin (Jeff) Dayton of Eau Claire.  Four grandchildren, Marissa and Cade Martinez and Cody and Alyssa Dayton.  Sisters-in-law, Nancy Lucey and Ardys Keilholtz and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

We wish to thank the staff of Hearten House 1, Eagle Crest Memory Care 4, and Gundersen Hospice.  We are indebted to their unending love and care for him.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Kathy and Jack Lucey Family Fund for Alzheimer’s or to the charity of your choice. https://www.laxcommfoundation.com/give/browse-our-funds/kathy-jack-lucey-family-fund/