Obituary of Karl F Lukens

Karl F. Lukens, 90, Cape May, passed away Thursday November 14 at his residence. Born April 7, 1934 in Cheltenham PA, he was one of three sons born to the late Karl and Frances (Fassnacht) Lukens. Karl graduated Cheltenham High School and attended the University of Pennsylvania where he earned his PHD in metallurgical engineering. After graduation, he accepted a position as a civilian with the Department of the Army and worked at the Frankford Arsenal in Philadelphia and later at the Picatinny Arsenal- US Army Garrisons in Wharton, NJ. He spent over 25 years volunteering his time as an Associate Naturalist for the Cape May Bird Observatory. Growing up in Cheltenham, Karl joined Boy Scout Troop 22 where he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. He went on to become Scoutmaster and helped shape the lives of many neighborhood boys. He was an avid sports fisherman, bringing in many marlin and tuna to homeport in Avalon, NJ on his father's boat "Franee L" along with his brothers Dick and Bill. His interest in birds resulted in many trips across the country on birding expeditions with his birder friends, from California to Florida. In addition to his parents, Karl was preceded in death by wife Cecelia "Judy" J. (Gouran) (February 3, 2015), his brother Richard F. Lukens and his nephew Richard F. Lukens, Jr. He is survived by his brother William E. "Bill" Lukens, husband of Frances and their children Cary, Gideon and Abigail; sister-in-law Patricia Lukens and her daughter Donna; and 11 grandnephews and nieces. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 1 PM Wednesday, January 8, 2025 at Our Lady Star of the Sea Roman Catholic Church, 525 Washington Street, Cape May NJ. Family and friends are invited to pay their respects from 12:30PM until the time of Mass. Interment will be held on the grounds of St. Mary Roman Catholic Cemetery, 1056 Seashore Road, Cape May NJ. In lieu of flowers, donations in Karl's memory may be made to the Cape May Bird Observatory, 701 East Lake Road, Cape May Point NJ 08212.