RACINE - John N. Baldukas, 86, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 20, 2011, at Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare All Saints. He was a lifelong resident of Racine, born on May 1, 1925, the son of the late Nicholas P. and Paraskevi (nee: Corombos) Baldukas. John was a 1943 graduate of Washington Park High School. On June 7, 1947, John was united in marriage to Luella Horn at the Greek Orthodox Church. They shared 58 loving years together and enjoyed traveling throughout the United States after retirement. They especially enjoyed the visits to see their granddaughters. John proudly served in the United States Army, 136th Anti Aircraft Artillery Gun Battalion during World War II. John and all five of his brothers were in some branch of the United States Military at the same time and were stationed all over the world during World War II. John's service includes time in Belgium and Germany. He was Honorably Discharged in 1946 with the rank of Private First Class. Returning home after the war, John's working career began at Hamilton Beach Company and on the assembly line at Massey Harris. He then began working for the State of Wisconsin as a Driver's License Examiner in the Motor Vehicle Division, first in Racine and then in South Milwaukee. He retired in 1987 after 30 years of service. He was a faithful member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church. He volunteered with the Youth Groups, served as an Usher and did Stewardship and office help as needed. John will be remembered for his wonderful sense of humor and recollection of jokes. He was affectionately known as 'Big John'. John enjoyed helping his wife bake and would always manage to "burn" a pan of cookies so they could not be given away. John was a natural handyman and enjoyed working around the house and yard and gladly shared his knowledge with family and neighbors. John is survived by his loving sons and daughters-in-law, Jerry (Peggy) Baldukas of Racine and Rev. David (Lisa) Baldukas of LaCrosse; and much-loved granddaughters, Amy (Eric) Baldukas of Pasadena, Calif., Sarah Baldukas of Menasha, and Christa Baldukas of LaCrosse. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many dear friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Luella on February 16, 2005; five brothers, Plato Baldukas, Peter (Gladys) Baldukas, Ted (Penny) Baldukas, Bill (Arllys) Baldukas, and Chris Baldukas; and two sisters, Mary Baldukas and Jane (Frank) Alioto. A Memorial service will be held at Emmanuel Lutheran Church on Monday, September 26, 2011, at 1 p.m. with Rev. Susan Smith officiating. John will be laid to rest next to his wife at Graceland Cemetery with full Military Honors at a private service. There will be visitation before the service at the church from 11 a.m. until the time of service at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 725 High Street, Racine, Wis. 53402; or Olivet Beacon of Light Church, 2100 Bainbridge Street, La Crosse, Wis. 54603, are suggested. STURINO FUNERAL HOME 3014 Northwestern Avenue 632-4479 www.sturinofuneralhome.com