Erwin Stewart Lucke, Jr.

Erwin Stewart Lucke Jr., age 87, passed away peacefully on February 22, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of innovation, passion, and a love for family and adventure. Born on November 12, 1937, in Grand Forks, North Dakota, to Erwin (Sr) and Rudella (Dokken) Lucke, Stewart grew up on a farm near Orr, ND, where he developed a deep connection to both the land and the spirit of invention.

Stewart’s career as an inventor was highlighted by his creation of specialized farm machinery, including harvesters for sunflowers and snowblowers for tractors. His designs became widely known and were sold across the United States, helping to improve the lives of farmers and making their work more efficient.

But Stewart’s true passion lay in the skies. From a young age, he was fascinated by flight, and he dedicated much of his life to flying and building airplanes. His first project was an EAA biplane, and soon after, he built others. Every summer, Stewart would head to the county airport to practice aerobatics, performing hammerheads, rolls, loops, and more. He also took to the skies at small-town celebrations, thrilling crowds with his impressive flying skills. When his children were older, he purchased a de Havilland Chipmunk, tirelessly modified it for aerobatics, and ultimately mastered the art of the inverted ribbon cut with the “Chippie.” Stewart loved performing thrilling aerobatics at air shows across the region, where his aerial performances became legendary.

In his later years, Stewart’s interests expanded to music. He became captivated by the intricacies of sound and the design of musical instruments, particularly guitars. Stewart began learning to play and even took up building guitars, fascinated by how the design could alter the sound.

Stewart raised eight children near Inkster, ND, teaching them the values of hard work, creativity, and perseverance. He is survived by his children: Kim (Roger) Amundson, Lynette (Dean) Mueller, Shari (Lynn) Caspers, Randy Lucke, Mickie (David) Chan, Jill (Rick) Marko, Darren Lucke, and Kyle (Holly) Lucke; fifteen grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren, and five sisters.

A celebration of Stewart’s life will be held on April 11, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Memorial Park South in Grand Forks, ND. His family invites friends and loved ones to join them in honoring his remarkable life and the many ways he touched the world.

May Stewart’s legacy of creativity and adventure continue to inspire all who knew him.