Shirley M Lukens

Mankato Mortuary
1001 N. Riverfront Drive
Mankato, Minnesota 56001
507-388-2202


Shirley M. Lukens, at age 93, passed away on April 6, 2014, leaving peacefully after a long and wonderful life. She was born in Albert Lea, MN on September 18, 1920. After completing her education, Shirley joined the Women's Army Corps on August 16, 1943. Upon completion of basic training, she was transported via the Queen Mary, along with 4 other corpsmen and 5000 soldiers, to serve in England in the heart of the European Theater. While in the Corps, she served as secretary to the military Attach" to exiled governments, including the Netherlands. She was honorably discharged on October 13, 1945. Shirley was very proud to have had the honor of serving her country.

She met Harrison "Bud" Lukens and was married on May 30, 1947. Shirley and Bud raised 4 children, 11 grandchildren, and numerous great and great-great grandchildren.

Shirley was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, and was loved by all. She will be missed, but never forgotten.

Shirley is survived by children Ronnie (Kay) Lukens, Lola (Ernie) Drager, and Larry (Cathy) Lukens, and sisters Edith Olson and Mary Ann Jensen.

She was preceded in death by her husband; daughter, Gloria Kreinbring; brother, Ernest Engelsrud; a great granddaughter; and brothers and sisters-in-law.

Her memorial service is to take place on Sunday, April 13, 2014, with visitation starting at 1:00 pm at the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd located 2101 Lor Ray Drive, North Mankato, MN 56003. A private internment will take place at a later date.