John David Luko

John David “J.D.” Luko, 86, of Newton, died Wednesday, July 14, 2021, at his home. A visitation will be from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 21 at the Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory. A graveside service will begin at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 21 at the I.O.O.F. Cemetery in Bloomfield. Memorials to the I.O.O.F. Cemetery or to the donor’s choice may be left at the funeral home.

John David Luko was born at home near Bloomfield, Aug. 31, 1934, to Aurvilla Ethel (Bales) Luko and John Lambert Luko. He was welcomed by a sister Bonnie Janette and later joined by Harold Rex and Helen Rose. He grew up helping on the farm and attending Bloomfield High School, graduating in 1951. He joined the Navy and served as an aviation machinist until his discharge. He served aboard the Aircraft Carrier USS Bon Homme Richard. He returned to Bloomfield and began work for Barker. After his father’s death, he moved to Newton and worked for Cline Tool Company for as a machinist. He shared his mother’s home and cared for her until she passed. He enjoyed being with family and friends and having good meals and conversation.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Bonnie Modrell; brothers-in-law, Mike Modrell and Richard Carothers; and nephew, Michael Modrell. He is survived by his siblings, Helen Carothers of Ottumwa and Rex (Myrna) Luko of West Des Moines; six nieces and nephews, John (Liz) Modrell, Michelle Kelman, Beth Bennett, David (Deb) Carothers, Jarred (Eileen) Luko and Sarah Luko; great-nieces and nephews, Sierra, Josh, Samantha, Matt, Jane, Jacque and Joe; a special friend, Peg Morton; and a host of friends and acquaintances.