Kathleen Marie Luke

Kathleen “Kathy” Luke, age 79, passed away peacefully on April 14, 2026 in Niles, Michigan. She was born on August 30,1946 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the daughter of Thomas and Marquerite Bresnahan. Kathy lived a life marked by devotion, kindness and love for family.

Kathy grew up in Grand Rapids, the oldest of five children. She attended Marywood Academy and worked in the family businesses, including Pando Ski Center in Rockford. After high school, Kathy attended Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo where she studied education. In 1966, she met Charles “Chuck” Luke. After getting married in 1968, they moved to Niles and both began teaching careers. 
 
Dedicating her work life to education and to the students she served, Kathy spent the entirety of her career with Niles Community Schools. A lifelong learner, she furthered her education throughout her career including earning her master’s degree in reading. She was a sought-after teacher, often earning praise from peers, administrators and parents of her students. Her work as an educator reflected her patience, compassion, and belief in the value of helping others grow. 

Above all else, Kathy was devoted to her family. She found her greatest joy in being a mother and grandmother, treasuring moments spent with those she loved. Her family was the center of her world. She loved cheering her children on in tennis matches and soccer games and later Grandparent’s Days and sporting events of her grandchildren. 

Kathy also enjoyed reading, scrapbooking, and watching sunsets over Lake Michigan. She loved family vacations to the national parks, California and Florida. Kathy enjoyed making holiday cards by hand for her children and grandchildren, collecting cookbooks and shopping.

She was a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, and friend. She was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Marguerite Bresnahan, her beloved husband, and her sister, Mary Bresnahan Donaker. She is survived by her children, Kelle (John) Krcmarik, Heather (Rick) Drozlek, and Scott (Mandy) Luke; her grandchildren, Jack, Libby, Luke, Sophie, Evan, Matt, Claire, and Hadley; and her brothers, Daniel Bresnahan, Rick Bresnahan, and Toby Bresnahan.

She will be deeply missed. Her legacy will continue through the many lives she influenced as a teacher, mother and grandmother.

In accordance with her wishes, a private celebration of life will be held this summer. Palmer Funeral Home- Hoven Chapel is assisting the family. If you would like to leave online condolences for Kathy and her family, please visit www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.