Christine Evelyn Maki Lukach

BESSEMER, Mich. - Christine Evelyn Maki Lukach, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, July 21, 2023, at the age of 72, after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. She was surrounded by loved ones at her home.

Chris was born to Toivo A. and Jeanette (Walitalo) Maki on Oct. 16, 1950. Together Toivo and Jeanette were blessed with six daughters. Surviving sisters include: Marian (Herbert) Boxer, Joyce (James) Tapani and Jane (John) Bowen. Sisters that had gone before her include: Audrey Harjala and Anita Walrath. She is also survived by two brothers-in-law, Gerald Harjala and Dick Walrath; two sisters-in-law, Karen (Timothy) Williams and Ann (the late Tom) Parker; and numerous nieces, nephews and relatives that were very dear to her.

Chris married Gerald Michael Mark Lukach, "the love of her life," on June 12, 1971. He survives. Together they were blessed with three children, Melissa (Nicholas) Adams, Ryan (Sandy) Lukach and Lonnie (Jen) Lukach; and five grandchildren, Veronica, Caelyn Rose, Jack, Kyler and Corinne.

Chris attended St. Joseph's School of Nursing where she earned her registered nursing degree. She received additional training from University of Northwestern in St. Paul, Minnesota, in colostomy and wound care. She sat on many committees and trained in many different specialties as a nurse. She was an exceptional nurse that provided excellent care to those in need.

Chris was able to battle Alzheimer's disease in her home with her loving husband by her side, because several ladies worked together to assure she was able to receive 24-hour care in her home for the past five years. They took exceptional care of her. The care she received by these ladies was second to none and the family will forever be grateful to each and every one of the ladies for the love and care they provided for Chris.

Chris was an exceptional wife, mother, sister and friend to many. She had many talents that she shared with folks she came across in her life. Some of her talents and hobbies included quilting, selling Lia Sophia jewelry and traveling the world with her husband as he finished his career in management.

Chris was an amazing woman; she had a way of making people smile right up to her last breath. She had a dialect that was catchy and many children and adults still catch themselves saying her phrases. She was a "phenomenal woman, no doubt." She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Her family is thankful she knew Jesus as her personal Lord and savior, because Chris is now healed of the terrible disease she battled for so long here on earth. Heaven doesn't have Alzheimer's, so Chris has received her ultimate healing in the arms of her savior. That also means if you know Jesus as your personal savior, it is not "goodbye," it is "see you later."

Psalm 23:4 - "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff they comfort me."

"Love you, bye," Chris.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, July 30, at 3 p.m., preceded by visitation at 1:30 p.m., at the Apostolic Lutheran Church, 326 W. Aurora St., in Ironwood. The Rev. Alan Estola and the Rev. Bruce Estola will officiate.

A luncheon will be served at the church fellowship hall immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, a scholarship has been set up to honor Chris. She would love nothing more than to help future nurses earn their education. She understood the importance of having quality health caregivers.

Please consider contributing to the Christine Evelyn Maki Lukach Scholarship fund by sending a donation to: Gogebic-Ontonagon Intermediate School District Scholarship Fund, Attention: Career Technical Education Department, P.O. Box 218, Bergland, MI 49910. Make checks payable to: GOISD (in the memo write: Christine Lukach).

Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield, is assisting the family with arrangements. To send online condolences or to share a memory, please go to lakesidememorialchapel.com.