Gary Hugo Lukkari, 78

Gary Hugo Lukkari, age 78, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on March 7, 2026, at Aspirus Ironwood Hospital.

Gary was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 54 years, Carol; his parents, Hugo Lukkari and Elsa (Keranen) Robb; his stepfather, James Robb; and his brother, Bradley.

He is survived by his three children: Mike (Darcy), Eric (Annie), and Kristina (Denny); his sister, Dianne (Don) Bolander, several cousins, and his seven grandchildren: Owen, Samuel, Connor, Lily, Collin, Isaac, and Ella, who will forever remember their Grandpa as musical, and always ready for a little friendly competition.

Gary was born on May 14, 1947, in Ontonagon, Michigan, to Hugo and Elsa (Keranen) Lukkari. He graduated from Aurora High School. His love of sports, especially hockey, and competition stuck with him for life.

Gary served four years in the U.S. Navy as an airplane mechanic. His time in the Navy gave him plenty of stories, and if you were lucky enough to sit with him long enough, you probably heard a few of them. After his service, Gary attended Northern Michigan University, where he earned a degree in Engineering.

In August of 1971, Gary married the love of his life, Carol. Anyone who knew Gary knew how much he adored her. Together they raised three children, mostly in Wadena, Minnesota, where Gary worked at Homecrest Industries. In Wadena, Gary was a proud member of the Elks Lodge and became a legendary youth hockey coach for his sons’ teams. He often said those years-piling the family into the car, traveling to hockey tournaments, and spending weekends at the rink-were some of the best of his life.

Summers were spent camping at Rush Lake Tent and Trailer in Ottertail, where Gary created the kind of childhood memories every kid deserves. Days were filled with fishing, waterskiing, swimming, and general mischief. Nights ended around the campfire with Gary playing guitar and singing loudly and proudly. Favorites included “There’s a Hole in the Bottom of the Sea” and his personal showstopper, “The House of the Rising Sun.” Gary had a beautiful voice and wasn’t shy about using it.

Gary loved a good competition and was known to dominate a game of beanbags, darts, or really anything that came with bragging rights. His competitive spirit-and love of golf-has definitely been passed down to his kids.

Of all the roles Gary had in life, being a grandfather may have been his favorite. He loved hosting his seven grandchildren at the family home on Lake Superior, where there were always bonfires, sauna nights, swims in the big lake, and plenty of laughter.

Music remained a big part of Gary’s life. After retiring and moving back home to Ontonagon, he helped start the Eagles Open Mic on Thursday nights. Gary loved performing and encouraging others to take the stage, especially his grandchildren. Few things made him prouder than watching them share their talents.

Gary was also a proud member of the American Legion in White Pine and the Ontonagon Golf Club. He and Carol were members of Siloa Lutheran Church. He loved attending the Porcupine Mountains Music Festival, driving through the Porkies, and helping Carol pick thimbleberries for her famous jam.

He enjoyed life’s simple pleasures too: a good Sudoku puzzle, Carol’s hot pickles, tuna salad with extra pickles, and pepperoni pizza with never quite enough onions.

Gary loved deeply. When Carol passed away in November after her battle with breast cancer, a part of Gary went with her. The two shared a love story that lasted 54 years, and their family finds comfort knowing they are together again.

More than anything, Gary loved being a dad. He believed in working hard and playing hard, that music should be loud, and family time should be filled with laughter. He spent his life creating those moments for the people he loved.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Dr. Frank Villanueva and his nurse Holly for the exceptional care they provided to Gary over the years. In his final days, the staff at Aspirus Ironwood Hospital treated Gary and his family with compassion and kindness that will never be forgotten.

Gary will be deeply missed, but his stories, songs, laughter, and competitive spirit will live on in the many people who loved him. And if you hear someone singing “House of the Rising Sun” a little too loudly around a campfire, Gary probably had something to do with it.

Cheers, Dad!

A memorial Service will be held for Gary at the Cane Funeral Home in Ontonagon on Friday, March 13th at 3 p.m. Friends may call at the funeral home 1 hour prior to the start of the services.