Janet Lee Lukas

June 8, 1935 ~ October 8, 2023

Janet Lee Lukas, 88, of La Crosse, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on October 8, 2023.

Janet was born on June 8, 1935, in Waupaca, Wisconsin, as the only child of Kenneth Wayne Pope and Grace Ethel Pope. She remained in Waupaca for her childhood, where she enjoyed camping and swimming in the lake behind her home. As a top graduate of Waupaca High School, she decided to continue her education at the University of Wisconsin.

After graduating from the University of Wisconsin, she moved to La Crosse, Wisconsin, where she remained the majority of her life. It was in La Crosse where she developed her passion for animals: She would spend her weekends away from work, traveling the country showing her Irish Setters and Quarter Horses. While she valued the success she had at the shows, she cherished the relationships she built along the way. 

Janet was one independent and resilient woman. Every time she was faced with adversity, she would come back stronger. In her wallet, she had a note card with the words “NEVER GIVE UP,” which served as a daily reminder of the mantra she lived by. Janet was never one to ask for help, but the first to drop everything to help others. Her relentless compassion for others, including those with fur, is how she will be forever remembered. 

Janet’s death was preceded by her parents, Kenneth and Grace Pope, and her son and best friend, Jeff Lukas. She is survived by her grandchildren, Brady (Dani) Lukas and Kelly (David) Roy, along with her great grandchildren, Walker Lukas and Jonathan Roy. 

In lieu of a service, Janet has requested her grandchildren travel to Oklahoma to lay her to rest next to her son, Jeff. 

If you wish to make a donation in honor of Janet, please consider donating to WPOAC Scholarship Fund.