Henry ”Hank” Lushina

Henry “Hank” Lushina, 82, of La Salle , died surrounded by his family on July 9, 2019 in Manor Court of Peru.

Mass of Christian burial will be 10:00 AM Monday in St. Patrick’s Church in La Salle with the Very Rev. Paul Carlson and Rev. Gregory Jarzombek OSB officiating.  Burial will be in St. Vincent’s Cemetery in La Salle.  Visitation will be from 4 to 7:00 PM Sunday in the Hurst Funeral Home in La Salle.  Additional visitation will be in the church on Monday from 9:00 AM until time of services.

Hank was born in La Salle on December 26, 1936 to Henry and Charlotte (Cassidy) Lushina.  He graduated from La Salle-Peru High School and LPO Junior College, then proudly served with the US Army. On September 19, 1959, he married the love of his life, Martha Bansberg and was looking forward to celebrating 60 happy years this fall. Hank was a life-long, devout catholic and parishioner of St. Patrick’s Church, a proud member of Knights of Columbus Council #792 and Oglesby Elks Lodge, and regularly volunteered at the Illinois Veterans Home in La Salle. Hank worked for a brief time at Westclox, then Bakelite-Union Carbide for 28 years, later retiring after 15 years with the City of La Salle Water Department, all while assisting his wife with her cakery business.

Throughout his life, he took the business of son, brother, husband, father, and friend very seriously. He thought the world of his mother, cherished her whole-heartedly, spent time with, and took care of her as when needed. He loved and respected his sisters and their families, gathering with them often over the years. He fell in love with Martha and together set out to make a life and family of their own. He did so much more than provide for his children – he loved them completely, spent quality time, taught valuable lessons, instilled values, and most importantly and consistently – lead by example. Family first was the fabric of his character. He could not, and would not be happy unless his family was happy. He was a gentleman with a quick wit and a wry sense of humor. He loved a good joke, especially if he was telling it, and if it was on the golf course, even better. He was a trusted neighbor and good citizen who loved his community as much as he loved to travel the world. He knew the value of hard work and worked hard for everything he had, but still counted himself fortunate for the many blessings that came his way. He was a respected man, and he respected all. If you ever found yourself in need – Hank was your friend.

Hank is survived by his wife Martha of La Salle; five children, Joseph Lushina of Carson City, NV, Theresa (Michael) Lonergan of Willowbrook, Linda (Stephen) Keegan of Geneva, Thomas (Denise) Lushina of St. Joseph, MI and Hans (Callie) Lushina of Evanston;  seven grandchildren, Jennifer (Brandon) Walker, Sarah (Ryan) Lushina, Max Keegan, Louie Keegan, Grace Keegan, Eloise Lushina, and Klive Lushina;  two great-grandchildren, Xena Keegan and Henry Walker; two sisters, Jackie Assalley of La Salle and Betty Hurst of Peru.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister Margarette Kowalzcyk Baker.

Pallbearers will be Steve, Max and Louie Keegan, Mike Lonergan, Klive Lushina, Bill Ficek and Brian Lowndes.

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