Robert Luken, a man with many interests and talents, died on March 29, 2025, at the Cedarhurst of Highland in Highland, Illinois. He was 79.
Robert Luken was exceptional in so many ways. After receiving a first-rate education, he chose to return to his hometown (Alton, Illinois) to work with his parents rather than pursue a corporate career. He said that working with his parents was one of the most rewarding experiences of his life. Living in Alton allowed him to enjoy the company of his sister’s three children and four grandchildren.
He started his own company, Luken Investments, in 1970 and retired in 2023. The local business community admired his entrepreneurial spirit. He was a member of the Rotary Club of Alton. He was well known by the Madison County Treasurer’s office for his blending of humor and financial skills in dealing with tax issues.
He was a devoted member of Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Alton, where he served on the church finance committee. He was a generous benefactor to the church and its parochial school and a member of Knights of Columbus.
He was active in the Democratic Party as a precinct captain and a major donor. He personally knew Illinois Senators Paul Simon and Richard Durbin, as well as Representative Jerry Costello. He raised funds for President Bill Clinton’s second presidential campaign. He once joked with President Clinton that he, Robert, was the most junior member of the Democratic party, and that he, President Clinton, was the most senior member of the party.
Robert’s passion in life was traveling and meeting people in foreign countries, ignited by his father’s example. He traveled to more than 100 countries in Europe, the Midde East, Asia, Africa, and Latin America. He was fluent in French and Spanish.
He spent many years traveling in France, which he first toured on a moped while still in college. He enjoyed French wine and food. La confrérie des Entonneurs Rabelaisiens (Loire Valley) initiated him as a member in the 1980s and invited him to dine with well-known vintners. He was generous with his wines and knowledge of wines.
Robert collected artifacts from the South Pacific and donated a significant number of items to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Some are on display in the University library.
He was born on Friday, September 7, 1945, in Alton, the third and youngest child of Ralph and Helen (nee Fravel) Luken.
He attended Culver Military Academy in Culver, Indiana. He graduated from Brown University with an undergraduate degree in economics and from the University of Chicago with a master’s degree in finance and accounting. He applied his economic skills in the Army Reserve to organizing the monthly lottery.
In addition to his Life Partner, Charlotte (Ray) O’Rourke, and her family, Highland, Illinois, Robert is survived by his older brother, Ralph (Skip) Luken and his wife, Jackie, Belfast, Maine; older sister, Barbara Hinson, Godfrey Illinois; niece, Rebecca (Michael) Slatin, St. Louis, Missouri; nephew, Andrew (Rebecca) Schubert, St. Louis, Missouri; and nephew, Robert (Valerie) Schubert, Alton, Illinois; and many cousins and other family members. He was preceded in death by his father, Ralph William Luken, and mother, Helen Sadie Luken.
Upon hearing of Robert’s death, his friends wrote to his siblings about the laughter he brought into their lives with his humor and storytelling of his adventures in distant countries. Some remarked on his generosity and support in demanding situations.
He recently told his brother that “I have lived the life I wanted to live, one of responsibility and adventure. I would have loved to have more but now accept that I won’t, given my physical condition. I accept that and am not afraid. I have lived a wonderful and interesting life.”
