Luci Washburn 1949-2024
Lucille M. “Luci” Washburn, 74, died on Oct. 25, 2024, at her home in Millstadt, Ill.
Ms. Washburn was born on Dec. 3, 1949, in Holton, the daughter of Frederic and Dorathea Eulert Hallauer. She graduated Bateman Grade School north of Holton in 1963 and Whiting High School in 1967. She lived in Topeka before moving to Millstadt, Ill. In 2008.
She retired from Southwestern Bell Telephone Company in February 1998 with more than 30 years of service. She was employed by Harrah’s Prairie Band Casino from 1997 to 2001.
Luci was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Columbia, Ill., where she served as a Stephen Ministry Leader, the Membership Secretary, was a member of the Bell Choir and played keyboard with the Music Team for blended services. She also assisted with Vacation Bible School and served on the Board of Outreach and the Board of Trustees.
She was a member of the American Business Women’s Association for more than 30 years and served as District III Vice President in 1987. She had been active in numerous organizations in Topeka, including Girl Scouts of the USA and North Fairview Elementary Parent-Teacher Organization.
She married James Clark Washburn on May 20, 1972. They were divorced.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister and brother-in-law, Joan and Don Martin; and a brother, Ray Hallauer.
Survivors include a daughter and son-in-law, Nikki and Mark Kurfman and four grandsons, Gabriel, Bryce, Joel and Myles Kurfman, Millstadt, Ill.; two sisters, Caryn and husband, Larry Sheets, and Judy Hamilton, Topeka; two brothers, Roy and wife, Kay Hallauer, and Eric and wife, Becky Hallauer and a sister-in-law, Sue Hallauer, all of Holton; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.
In lieu of flowers, Luci requested memorial contributions be made to the Food Pantry Fund at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 227 N. Goodhaven Street, Columbia, IL, 62236; or Unity Lutheran Christian Elementary School, 1600 N. 40th Street, East St. Louis, IL 62204.
A memorial gathering will be held from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 30 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Netawaka. A memorial service will follow starting at 11 a.m. at the church.
(PAID OBITUARY)