Lukas J. Gilmer

A Memorial Service for Lukas will be held on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Milligan Auditorium in Milligan, Nebraska with Pastor Roy Schrunk presiding. A Book Signing will be held on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with the family present at Farmer & Son Funeral Home - Kotas Chapel in Milligan, Nebraska. Private Family Burial of Ashes will be held at a later date. Memorials are to be directed to the family to be designated at a later date. Lukas James Gilmer was born to John William Gilmer and Debbie Lea Grienke on March 5th, 1998, in Seward, NE and passed away August 25th, 2025, at St. Elizabeth in Lincoln, NE at the age of 27. He was one of three children in the family. Lukas was baptized on March 21st, 1998, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Schuyler, NE by his Uncle Rev. Duane Fahr. He attended Friend Public School. Though he lived most of his life in Friend, Lukas recently made his home in Milligan. No matter where he was, he built lasting friendships and created memories that will be treasured by all who knew him. Lukas spent time working at Qwik 6 in Friend, where he became known for making the best pizzas—but what truly set him apart was the way he welcomed each customer with warmth and kindness. More recently, he worked with TDL Gutters, bringing the same positivity and easy laughter to his coworkers and friends. Lukas was a gamer. Friends or strangers— he treated everyone the same. His life reached further than any of us know. His voice and laughter were literally heard all over the world. Lukas had a huge heart that touched everyone he met. He had a rare gift for connecting with people, making them feel seen, understood, and truly valued. He loved with his whole heart, and his smile was infectious—the kind that could light up the whole room and lift the spirits of everyone around him. His nieces and his friends’ children lit up his world. Family meant everything to Lukas, and the bond he shared with his siblings was unbreakable. He looked up to his big brother, Joseph, with great admiration and pride, always striving to follow in his footsteps. His little sister, Abbie, was not only family but also his best friend. Their connection was filled with love and laughter. He never entered a room or left a room without making sure his mother knew how much he loved her. It was rare he ever hung up from a phone call without telling you he loved you. He will be remembered most for his generous heart, his radiant smile, and the love he shared so freely with everyone around him. He was preceded in death by his Grandparents, James & Blondina Grienke; Grandmother Phyllis Beckler; Aunt Becky Grienke; Uncle Duane Fahr; and special family friends James, Janet, and Rodney Craig, as well as Jim Landers. Lukas was survived by his Parents, John & Debbie Gilmer (Milligan), Sister Abbie Gilmer (Milligan), Brother Joseph Gilmer (wife Taylor), and Nieces Lennon and Kenna Gilmer (Milligan), Grandfather Merle Beckler (Beaver Crossing), Aunt Jean Sticken (Omaha), Aunt Ellen Wood (Storm Lake, IA), Aunt Claudina Grienke (Alta, IA), Aunt Julie Fahr (Fremont, NE), Aunt Christine (husband Clem) LeDoux (Alta, IA), Aunt Nancy (husband Scott) Teegardin (Alta, IA), Special family friends Kimmie & Shawn Hengelfelt (Lincoln, NE) and Naomi Landers (Friend, NE), and a host of great Aunts and Uncles, cousins and friends.

Tributes

Lukas J. Gilmer

March 5, 1998 - August 25, 2025