Allen Lulko

Allen Robert Lulko was a likable, warm, friendly, and selfless man. Even when he became ill, Allen was always putting the needs of others before his own. Thinking of his wife, children, and friends, Allen never asked God to cure his cancer, but only to give him more time to spend with the people he loved.

1961 was a year of new beginnings and new fears. As the young President Kennedy took leadership of our nation trouble began to brew in the Caribbean forcing the US to cut off diplomatic ties with Cuba. Meanwhile, unrest in the Far East prompted the United States to send 2,000 military advisors to unsuccessfully quench hostility in Vietnam. For one family in Garden City, MI, however, life was much simpler. It was in that year that Alexander and Marian (Sliwinski) Lulko of Livonia, Michigan, welcomed their first son Allen into their family.

Growing up with two older sisters, Allen had the benefit of being the only boy in the family. It is not surprising then that his father spent hours cultivating his love for little league baseball, football, and basketball, which his dad coached. A curious young man, when Allen wasn't playing sports he enjoyed taking things apart and putting them back together. If Allen had difficultly making pieces fit when he re-assembled something, he simply stuck the parts back together with his beloved masking tape. His interest in mechanics and science would help him to succeed in school. Allen began his education at McKinley Elementary before continuing at Emerson Middle School, and finally Franklin High School where he would graduate in 1980. In high school, Allen gained a reputation for being a nice guy with a great sense of humor, and a cool car. When he was a senior in high school, he got his first car, a Pontiac Trans Am, and he loved it so much that he even painted his high school nickname "Luke" on the bumper. The car was his pride and joy, and he was happy to let everyone know whom it belonged to. After graduating from high school, Allen continued his education at Lawrence Technical Institute where he graduated in 1984. With a degree in Electrical Engineering, Allen took a job working for Chrysler. He enjoyed the job for eight years and then began work for Yazaki, his most recent job.

As Allen's professional life was gaining momentum, it seems his romance life was not far behind. In August of 1982 his neighbor Debbie Genette set him up on a blind date with her friend Shelly. The two joined other couples at a friend's house for games; soon they found themselves having a great time laughing and talking. Attracted to his charming personality, Shelly happily agreed to date Allen. The lovebirds continued an old-fashioned courtship, and in 1984 Allen surprised Shelly by proposing at his home. Two years later the couple took their vows in 1986 at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Detroit. Following the ceremony, the newlyweds enjoyed a tropical honeymoon in Maui and Oahu, Hawaii. Upon returning from their romantic trip, the couple bought Allen's sister house and started their first home together in Canton. After settling into their new home, they decided to start a family, and in August of 1988 their first child, Danielle, was born. A son, Michael, followed in February of 1991, and in October of 92' Alex completed the family. Allen thrived as a father, and considered the days his children were born as the best days of his life, along with his wedding day. Because he loved spending time with his wife and kids so much, holidays were always special to him. During the Christmas season, his house was always well decorated with the most lights on the block. Knowing his love for garnishing the house, he even received Christmas lights for his birthday! Christmas may have been the most festive holiday at Lulko home, but Allen decorated for every holiday. Allen always wanted to make sure to create lasting memories of special occasions; therefore, birthdays were also important events. Even as Allen was ill, he was determined to celebrate his daughter's birthday in style. Resolved to buy his daughter her first car, he managed to do so only two days before entering hospice. Even when he was sickest, his thoughts were with his family. One time he drove to Ohio to pick up a golf arcade game for his family to enjoy, even though he knew he would never get to see them have fun with it. He was always thinking of them.

Whenever Allen wasn’t spending time with his family, or at work, he could often be found working in his yard. His spectacular lawns would frequently leave people asking for his secrets; his grass was lush and always groomed to a T. Allen’s expertise in lawn care was probably due to the amount of time that he spent on golf courses. He loved to golf and would take trips with his friends to play different courses. Allen loved a variety of sports and he enjoyed going up north to snowmobile, dirt bike, and go boating. Back at home, he would stay active playing softball and soccer in leagues. Sometimes, however, Allen would simply like to unwind and listen to music. He had thousands of CDs, and even DJ-ed part-time during the eighties. He enjoyed sharing his music with his family, and was happy to DJ for his dad’s retirement party, sister’s class reunion, and his sister-in-law’s senior prom and wedding. Even after he stopped DJ-ing, he still enjoyed listening to his own albums, placing speakers all over his house. Allen took great pride in his CDs and other collectibles so he organized them very thoroughly. Whether it was his CDs or his picture albums everything was in arranged chronologically or alphabetically. Allen liked to keep everything neat and tidy around his house. He built the family home in 96’ and took great pride in its appearance; it was his favorite place to be.

Because Allen participated in so many activities and was an active member at St. John Neumann Catholic Church since 1986, he was able to meet many people, and had many lifelong friends. An outgoing person with great energy, he was always inviting everyone to come over to his home. People used to comment that a stranger would feel comfortable meeting Allen for the first time, and it was certainly true. Although his family always knew how special he was, they could not believe the support and words of encouragement he received from countless people after he fell ill. Allen was a selfless man, and when he was in need, many came to his aide. Because he always took such good care of himself, many were surprised when he became sick. He was always in extremely good health until he was diagnosed with Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in Aug. 2002. He completed chemo in Jan. 2003 and was in remission for 6 months. In June 2003 the disease returned and he bravely underwent more chemo, which was ineffective in stopping the spread of the disease. Eventually the cancer metastasized to his bone marrow. Luckily, in November, a bone marrow donor was found, and a transplant served to help prolong his life. Through determination and strength, Allen was able to return from the hospital in order to enjoy Christmas with his family in 2003. Devastatingly, 97 days after the transplant the leukemia returned and Al’s only option was to undergo experimental chemo, unfortunately the leukemia returned for a final time and he began hospice care on July 2, 2004.

Though Allen passed away, his memory will survive in the hearts of his wife Shelly, children Danielle, Michael, Alex, parents Al and Marian, sisters Sue (Joe) Vicari and Renee (Mark) Harris and many nieces, nephews, family and friends. Visitation is Saturday 5-9pm and Sunday 2-5 & 6-9pm with a scripture service at 7pm from McCabe Funeral Home 851 Canton Center Rd. Canton. Funeral Monday instate 10am, mass 10:30am from St. John Neumann Catholic Church. Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. To read Allen’s full life story, share a memory, send flowers, or make a memorial contribution please visit his personal website at www.lifestorynet.com

Throughout his life, Allen was a positive man. Even when he became ill, he enjoyed every moment of his life and was never negative. Allen was truly an inspiration to all and it was a gift to everyone to have his friendship and love.