Robert William Luken, age 79 of Highland, IL, died Saturday, March 29, 2025, at Cedarhurst of Highland in Highland, IL.
He was born on Friday, September 7, 1945, in Alton, IL, the son of Ralph and Helen (nee Fravle) Luken.
On October 14, 2008, he has his first date with his life partner, Charlotte O’Rourke, who survives.
He was a member of Knights of Columbus – Alton, IL, Rotary – Alton, IL and St. Paul Catholic Church.
Robert was born and raised in Alton, IL. He attended Culver Military Academy in Culver, Indiana. He went on to Brown University and the University of Chicago earning a master’s degree in Financing & Accounting. He worked for his father before starting his own company, Luken Investments, in 1970. Robert retired in 2023. Robert loved to travel all over the world. He enjoyed a yearly trip to Europe. He has donated 100’s of items to SIUE.
Survivors include:
- Life Partner – Charlotte Ray O’Rourke, Highland, IL
- Brother – Ralph Luken, Belfast, ME
Sister – Barbara Hinson, Godfrey, IL - Other – Angelia Vantrease, Personal Secretary, Alton, IL
- Niece – Rebecca (Michael) Slatin, St. Louis, MO
- Nephew – Andrew (Rebecca) Schubert, St, Louis, MO
- Nephew – Robert (Valerie) Schubert, Alton, IL
- Life Partner’s Son – Brian O’Rourke, Summerfield, IL
- Life Partner’s Son – Sean (Katie) O’Rourke, Saint Peters, MO
- Life Partner’s Son – Kelly O’Rourke
- Life Partner’s Grandchild – Kyle (Significant Other Kylie Olliges) O’Rourke, Highland, IL
- Life Partner’s Grandchild – Colin O’Rourke, Saint Peters, MO
- Life Partner’s Grandchild – Landon O’Rourke
He was preceded in death by:
- Father – Ralph William Luken
- Mother – Helen Sadie Luken
Arrangements are being handled by Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL.
Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM on Monday, April 14, 2025, at Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL.
Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 AM on Monday, April 14, 2025, at St. Paul Catholic Church in Highland, IL, with Fr. Mariadas Chatla, St. Paul Catholic Church, Highland, IL, officiating.
Interment will be at Saint Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Highland, IL.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Peter & Paul – Alton, IL or SIUE Museum.
