1st Sgt. Mathew Joseph Lukowicz, age 62, of Hampton, VA, passed away at his home on November 28, 2024.
A Graveside Service will be held on Saturday, May 24 at 11:00 a.m. at Riverside Cemetery with Military Honors provided by Lublin American Legion Post #547, Owen American Legion Post #123, Owen-Withee Vets Club, Thorp VFW Post #9057 and the United States Marine Corps.
Matt was born on February 3, 1962, the son of Dorothy A. (Hiebsch) Hillmer of Moline, IL and the late Phillip J. Lukowicz. He grew up in Rice Lake and was a star athlete in track and cross country. He broke school records in both events. After graduating from Rice Lake High School in 1980, Matt enlisted in the Marine Corp where he served for 23 years. He also graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA with a Bachelor of General Science Degree in December 1999.
Matt excelled in every aspect of being a Marine. As a staff sergeant, he was selected to attend the Marine Security Guard (MSG) School and was assigned to be the Post Commander of the U.S. Embassy in Argentina, ensuring the safety of the embassy staff as well as the U.S. Ambassador to Argentina and his family. Matt was subsequently selected to be an instructor at the MSG School due to his outstanding performance as a post commander. He rose to the rank of First Sergeant before his retirement and commanded thousands of Marines during his stellar Marine Corps career. Upon his retirement, he became a weapons instructor for the Department of Defense in Williamsburg, VA for 19 years.
In addition to his mother, Dorothy, Matt is survived by his children: Katie Lukowicz and Kaden Lukowicz, both of VA and son, Cameron (Courtney) and daughter, Maddie Gray, also of VA; his sister, Beth (Mike) Keough and their children Ben and Megan of Stevens Point, WI; brother, Jay (Cathie) Lukowicz and their children, Abigail and Jonathan of St. Charles, MN; his Aunt Lois (Greschner) Dehne of Owen, WI; his “adopted” uncle, Ed Wendt of Eau Claire, WI; and several cousins.
He is preceded in death by his father, Phillip; his grandparents: Joseph and Margaret Hiebsch, John and Isabelle Lukowicz; his uncle and aunt, Bob and Mary Jane (Hiebsch) Eckert, uncle Gerald Hiebsch and uncle Joseph Stanley Greschner.
Matt will be greatly missed by family and anyone who knew him.
In lieu of flowers and plants, a Memorial Fund has been established for the education of his granddaughter, Maddie Gray Lukowicz.
Funeral Homes entrusted with arrangements are: Altmeyer Funeral Home in New Port News, VA, Rafferty Funeral Home in Moline, IL and Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Owen.
Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling.com.
