Gary M. Kukuk

LAFAYETTE - Gary M. Kukuk, 80, of rural LaFayette, passed away in the early morning hours on Saturday, July 30, 2022, comfortably in his home surrounded by family. 

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 2, at Rux Funeral Home in Galva with Pastor Teri Shane officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior at the funeral home.  Burial will be at West Jersey Cemetery with military rites accorded by the Williamsfield American Legion. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Wounded Warrior Project, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, or the Freedom Paw Service Dogs Foundation. Rux Funeral Home in Galva is assisting the family with arrangements.  

He was born June 28, 1942, to Thelma (Murphy) and Merle Kukuk in Geneseo, Illinois. He attended Galesburg Schools and graduated from ROVA High School in 1960. Gary served in the United States Navy as a radar man aboard Lake Champlain and the USS Ponchatoula from 1961-1965. After serving in the Navy, he entered into the NECA-IBEW apprenticeship program where he was a member for 55 years. He met his beautiful wife Suni Carter in 1986 while he worked at the Clinton Power Plant. They celebrated 36 years of marriage this past May. He worked for Illinois Power starting in 1986 and retired in 2004 from Ameren. 

Gary was the proud father of Kristina (Luke) Johnson of Chillicothe, IL., Suzy (Mike) Lewis of Dahinda, IL., Jeff (Amanda) Kukuk of LaFayette, IN., and Jennifer Kukuk of Schaumburg, IL. He was the best grandfather to his ten grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his brother Forrest Cain, his parents, and grandparents.

Gary was an amazing husband, father, grandfather, father-in-law, son-in-law, and brother. He enjoyed working and providing for his family, fishing, and spending time telling his grandchildren of all of his life’s adventures. He was a proud member of the Victoria American Legion and the Hook & Bullet Club. Gary will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

The family would like to express their gratitude to OSF Hospice Care. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gary M. Kukuk, please visit our floral store.