Gary Paul Lukes, 65, of Austin, died Thursday, March 10, 2011, at his home.

He was born April 9, 1945, in Austin, to Richard and Myrtle (Lightley) Lukes. He graduated from Rose Creek High School, Austin Junior College, and Mankato State University before serving in the military for three years in the Army, including one year in Vietnam. Gary then attended Arizona State University, where he earned a Master’s degree. He taught high school mathematics for three years in Arizona and moved to Minnesota. He lived in Austin, Waseca, Owatonna and Northfield for about five years. For the next 20 years, he worked for US West in Minneapolis. After moving to California, he came back to Austin in 2005.

Survivors include his mother, Myrtle Lukes of Austin; brother, Larry Lukes of Northfield; sister, Judy Steinblock of St. Cloud; nephew, Jason Steinblock of St. Cloud.

He was preceded in death by his father, Richard in 2008; and his brother-in-law, Edward in 2010.

Funeral Services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 15, 2011, at the Worlein Funeral Home Chapel in Austin with The Reverand David DeFor officiating. Friends may call one hour prior to the service at Worlein Funeral Home. Military rites by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1216 and American Legion Post 91 will follow the service. Interment will be in London Cemetery, Minn., at a later date. The family prefers memorials in lieu of flowers. Worlein Funeral Home in Austin is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.