Gerald Leroy Lukac Sr., 75, of La Porte, Indiana, passed away peacefully, following a brief illness, on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, surrounded by his loved ones.
Born in La Porte, Indiana, on March 3, 1951, to Stephen and Louise (Okley) Lukac, Sr.
Shortly after graduating from La Porte High School in 1969, Gerald enlisted in the United States Army, serving as a Morse Intercept/Radio Operator during the Vietnam War until his honorable discharge in 1973. Later, he worked as a Chemical Test Technician for various steel coating facilities for 50 years.
He was a member of the American Legion, Kingsford Heights. Gerald loved cooking on the grill, bonfires, playing softball, Notre Dame, and our beloved Chicago Cubs and Bears. Most importantly, Gerald dearly loved his family and the time they spent together.
On September 25, 1993, in La Porte, Indiana, he married Tawnya Worthington, who survives. Also surviving are his 4 children, Jerry (Brandy) Lukac, Jr. of La Porte, Kristi (Tim) McCormick of Mill Creek, Tabitha (Chris) Moore of La Porte, and Josiah (Amy) Pittman of La Porte; 8 grandchildren, Lauren, Nathan, and Nicholas Lukac, Sarah, Jake, and Jonathan McCormick, and Mason and Maddix Moore; 3 brothers, Stephen Lukac Jr., of Bensenville, Illinois, Bill (Peggy) Lukac of La Porte, and Thomas "Byrd" (Sue) Lukac, of La Porte; as well as many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; 2 sons, Gerald and Robin Lukac; 3 brothers, Robert, Raymond, and James Lukac; and his beloved dogs, Sunny, Charles, and Diana.
Cremation has taken place with Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, La Porte.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Robert L. Miller Sr. Veterans Center, 747 S. Michigan St., South Bend, IN 46601.
Condolences may be shared online at www.cutlercares.com.