A Mass of Christian Burial for Luke Richard Jones, son of Mikel and Megan Jones of Emmetsburg, was held Wednesday, March 17, at Holy Family Catholic Church in Emmetsburg. Celebrant was the Rev. Bill Schreiber.
Interment was in St. John's Catholic Cemetery, Emmetsburg. The Martin-Mattice Funeral Home in Emmetsburg was in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be given to: The Ronald McDonald House or Make A Wish Foundation.
Luke Richard Jones, son of Mikel and Megan (Batcheller) Jones, was born on Sept. 27, 2018 at the Palo Alto County Hospital in Emmetsburg. As an infant, Luke was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition, “MPPH-CCND2”, only the 12th child to be diagnosed in the world. Even though Luke’s illness didn’t allow him to speak, he was able to communicate through his eyes. There was no question when he was happy, sad or in need of something.
Luke loved the sunshine and going boating on Five Island Lake. His giggles and laughter as the boat hit the waves brought a smile to anyone around him and he was always ready to put his sunglasses on, find a recliner and soak up the sun. Luke had developed a love of sweets and on his second birthday was introduced to bacon, which he thoroughly enjoyed. Another favorite treat was bananas.
Luke was fond of elephants and turtles and especially liked the color green, perhaps due to his Irish heritage. Luke enjoyed listening to Toby Keith music and it brightened his day to ride around in his Great Grandpa Dick’s ‘74 VW Bug.
Last week, Luke and his family took a trip to Wisconsin where they visited Lambeau Field, home of the Green Bay Packers. This trip was made possible for Luke through the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Luke loved sitting with his mom and dad, watching Packers and Iowa State games on T.V. and he was thrilled to meet Aaron Rodgers, Packers quarterback, during this recent trip.
The joy and love that Luke shared with his family and friends in only two and a half years is unimaginable. His beautiful blue eyes, unforgettable long eyelashes and contagious smile stole everyone’s hearts that had the opportunity to know him, whether it was his parents, his family, nurses, doctors or friends.
The outpouring of love and support of people has been a gift that Luke and his family will never forget and have cherished.
Luke passed away Sunday morning, March 14, 2021, holding hands with his mom and dad, at the age of two and a half. This July, Luke will become a big brother to his sister, Lucy. Also left to cherish his memory are his grandparents, Rosemary Higgins and John Pfeifer of Emmetsburg, James and Sandra Batcheller of Fort Dodge, and David and Roma Jones of Salem, MO; aunts, uncles, and cousins, Mark and Lindsey Jones and their daughters, Natalie, Jillian and Savanna, Melissa and Scott Thilges and their children, Sean, Molly and Mica, Jake Batcheller and Brian and Gena Batcheller and their children Spencer and Lindy; a dear friend and caregiver, Karyn Huberty; as well as many other relatives and friends.
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