Service Details
A service celebrating John’s life will be held on Tuesday, June 13, 2023 at 6:00 pm at Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Tuesday from 4:00 – 6:00 pm.
Memorial Suggestions
Memorials to John’s favorite charity “Wounded Warrior Project” have been suggested.
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Racine – John Henry Valukas, age 48, passed away unexpectedly in the emergency room of Aurora-St. Luke’s Medical Center on Friday afternoon, June 2, 2023.
John was born in Racine on July 17, 1974. He was a 1993 graduate of Washington Park High School. On November 18, 2018, John was united in marriage with Amy Marie (nee: McKelvie). For 25+ years, John was an over-the road semi-truck driver and decided to finally retire from driving so he could be home with his family and was currently employed with Buzzi Unicem in Milwaukee.
Among his many interests, John enjoyed woodworking, scuba diving, fishing, camping, he loved spending time with their dogs, Ava, Clyde, and Norman and loved volunteering especially working with horses. Above all, John was all about taking care of others and his favorite times were spent with his family.
Surviving are his loving wife, Amy; mom, Mary Ann McGinn; second mom, Eileen Valukas; children, Sydney (fiancé, Steve Buckner), Ashleigh (Dylan) Kovacik, Leslie (Ethan Finn) Valukas, Lauren (Gavin Neideffer) Valukas, Logan (Sofia Rivera) Valukas, Andrew Hintz, Joshua (Andrea) Hintz and Ally Hintz; grandchildren, Henry, Hazel, Canon, A.J. and Charlie; sister, Emily (Brad Klinger) Valukas; former wife, Kristine (Mike) Oswald; aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends – too numerous to mention all by name.
John was preceded in death by his father, Dennis Valukas; granddaughter, Addy; grandparents, John & Gertrude McGinn and Monroe & Lenora Romenesko; and by Amy’s parents, Ed & Angeline McKelvie.
John truly made an impact on every person he met. He never had a bad day and he always made sure everyone felt safe and loved.
A service celebrating John’s life will be held on Tuesday, June 13, 2023 at 6:00 pm at Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Tuesday from 4:00 – 6:00 pm. Memorials to John’s favorite charity “Wounded Warrior Project” have been suggested.
Linda Spalding says
My sincerest prayers for all of you during this difficult time. John was a wonderful person and will be missed by so many.
Desiree and Jeremy Pruitt says
John was an amazing loving man. One of the best people I’ve ever known. He was part of our family along with Amy and the kids. He always made everyone feel loved. He will be missed dearly. Thank you John for yoyr love and friendship it will forever be cherished.
Mark canfield says
I worked with john at RLP such a character. Miss the morning greeting of (hey my man how was the drive). I drove 2 hours to work. Always laughing or doing something to make me laugh. Most recently it was little chats on woodworking and sawmilling.
Jane Snediker says
So sorry for your loss
Tim Hancock/ Ken Baumeister says
Mary Ann, Our Deepest Sympathy at your Loss of your Son. Please know our Prayers are with you & his Family too. 💔❤️
Mary Hawley says
I’m so sorry for your loss. I loved going to your Busia X0X0 stand, at various events, before you had the store set up. I was so happy to see that the both of you were able to set up an actual store! It reminded me so much of my own “Busia”. I was very saddened and shocked to hear of John’s unexpected death:( I send you condolences . . . with tears . . .
Diane Smart says
I didn’t know John personally, but I’m a friend of his mother and worked with her. My heart goes out to her. I wish her love and strength during this most difficult time.
Anonymous says
So sad to hear this. I met John at the gym- early, early morning crew. He was kind person who talked fondly of his family and always had a smile on his face.
Jerry K--Busias landlord says
Wow–what a tragedy to lose a vibrant, caring, loving spouse, father, grandfather at an early age. I never met John but out prayers have been covering Amy and family since we learned of his death. Gods way are not our ways, and all of our days are numbered before we are born. His eternal resting place is where we will ultimately find more answers. God Bless.
Linda Boyer and Bob Nielsen says
We knew John as an 8-10 year old boy. Mary Ann and I were room mates in Colorado so we spent a lot of time with him. The tributes prove what a wonderful man he grew up to me. The world is a lesser place without him. Our deepest sympathies to all his family.
Taylor Ingram says
Sending my prayers and condolences to Ashleigh, Leslie and their family during this difficult time that you will find strength and love.