William L. “Bill” Luckenbill died peacefully at Hospice House on Oct. 2, 2023. In his final weeks, he was surrounded by family and friends, sharing memories and music with those he loved. He leaves behind a family that is heartbroken, yet he was clear in his love for his family, his faith, and his music.
Bill was born on Nov. 1, 1933 to Adrien and Edna Luckenbill near Mediapolis. He moved several times as a child and went to high school in New Boston, where he met the love of his life, Nettie Hilligoss. He graduated from DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana in 1955 where he studied piano and music education. He and Nettie were married that same year and he began his 40-year career teaching music in Joy, Illinois and Mediapolis.
Bill and Nettie raised six children in Mediapolis and they remain his greatest cheerleaders. Besides leading vocal and instrumental band, Bill managed the Mediapolis swimming pool for many years. He was a well-known and loved member of the community and felt incredibly fortunate to land in such a wonderful town to raise his family.
Traveling to visit family was a favorite activity for Bill and in addition, in his later years he traveled to the Mediterranean, Ireland, and Israel. He and Nettie loved to visit Branson, Mo., Disney World, take cruises, and go anywhere that their children were. He also loved caring for his yard and took great pride in his flowers.
Bill’s faith was important to him and he was organist and choir director at St. Mary’s Church in Dodgeville for over 50 years. When he moved to Burlington, he joined St. John’s Church and met many friends through the church activities. His strong faith brought him much comfort during his illness and the generous church members who brought him communion were a blessing to him.
Bill shared his musical talent in many ways, including directing the Silver Singers for a few years, creating his own garage band, and visiting senior centers, the hospital, and Hospice House to play the piano and lead sing-alongs. His greatest joy was singing with residents at his favorite Senior Centers. He entertained hospital visitors and employees three days a week by playing the grand piano in the lobby of the hospital. In fact, as he left the ICU and traveled to Hospice House, he was honored to find the hospital lobby filled with employees, who were waiting for one last sing-along. His family will always remember that day and are grateful for the support of his ICU and ER nurses and all who cared for him at that time.
Bill leaves behind his children, Roni Luckenbill (Claire Kubiak), Richard (Tammy) Luckenbill, Deb (Kirk) Thie, Lisa Luckenbill, Brenda (Marty) Gerst, and Patty Luckenbill and his many grandchildren and great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Joan (Jerry) Fausett and many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and his beloved cat, Lucky. He was preceded in death by his wife, Nettie; parents; and sister, Patricia Graddis.
Bill’s family is grateful for his time at Hospice House, and especially for the caring staff. He found peace and comfort in his final weeks in this special place.
Visitation will be from noon until 8 p.m. with family to receive friends from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 13, 2023 at Prugh Funeral Service, 3940 Division Street.
A memorial Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated 10 am. Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023 at Divine Mercy Parish St. John the Baptist Catholic Church (700 Division St., Burlington), with burial at St Mary’s cemetery in Dodgeville following the luncheon.
Memorial contributions are suggested to Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House, Divine Mercy Parish, or St. Mary’s Church in Dodgeville.
Please continue to keep Bill's family in your thoughts during this difficult time.