Charlotte M. Lukes, 80, of rural Austin, died Thursday, July 16, 2015, at Mayo Clinic Hospital Rochester, St. Marys campus. Charlotte Mae Schewe was born June 3, 1935, in Albert Lea, to Lawrence and Stella (Nelson) Schewe. Following her graduation from Austin High School in 1953, she married Dean C. Lukes at Oakland Lutheran Church on Dec. 5, 1953. She worked as a secretary for a short time and then held a civil service job at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, while Dean was in the service. After two years, the couple returned to Austin, where Charlotte helped on the family farm.

She was a true farm wife, helping out in all areas. An active member of Trondhjem Lutheran Church, Charlotte enjoyed traveling, fishing and snow skiing. She especially enjoyed her time spent with family and friends, and her church was very important to her. Her hobbies were gardening, tending to flowers and she loved playing cards, especially 500. Charlotte belonged to the Mother’s Club, the Birthday Club and WELCA. She will be remembered for always thinking about others ahead of herself.

Charlotte is survived by her husband, Dean C. Lukes, of rural Austin; her children Susan (Kelly) Kaercher of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Darcy (Doran) Schroeder of Austin, Greg Lukes, also of Austin; daughter-in-law Mona Lukes of Austin; seven grandchildren, Chelsie Kaercher, Cassandra (Jordan) Kaercher-Hall, Jordan Lukes, Lindsay (Ben) Schreiber, Dylan Schroeder, Dana Schroeder, Garrett Lukes; four great-grandchildren, Adrianna, Lahaila, Zao and Legend; siblings Marlene Johnson of Austin, L.D. Schewe (Betty) of Austin, LaVonne Johnson of Camano Island, Washington, Dennis (Geralyn) Schewe and Rick Schewe, both of Austin; sister-in-law Deanna Schewe of Blooming Prairie. She was preceded in death by her parents Lawrence and Stella Schewe, her son Randy Lukes and her brother Keith Schewe.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Hayward Lutheran Church with the Rev. Joel Erickson officiating. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday at Worlein Funeral Home in Austin and one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday. Interment will be in Grandview Cemetery. Worlein Funeral Home of Austin is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.