John Lux, Sr

John Lux, Sr.: Up to Bat

Despite losing his parents at the tender age of five, John Lux loved life and shared his enthusiasm for it with everyone he encountered. In September, he and his wife, Beatrice, celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary with their 5 children, 12 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren. After his oldest son, John Jr., offered a toast, John, Sr. remarked, “The best times of your life are when you’re raising your family. There are always good times and bad times. I hope we set a good example - I think we did!” Christmas was John’s favorite holiday, and he ensured his children, their spouses, his grandchildren and their spouses, and his great-grandchildren had gifts each year.

John never hesitated to take the lead. He served his country as a member of the 365th armored division during WWII, seeing combat in France and Germany. As a member of the Holy Name Society, John volunteered over 60 years at St. John’s parish in Covington, often helping out at the Summer and Thanksgiving festivals. John worked for H.H. Meyer Meat Packing Co. (Partridge Meats) as a salesman for 43 years, earning numerous company awards. He was involved in numerous organizations, including: Catholic Order of Foresters, Kentucky Colonels, Covington Catholic Boosters, Mary, Queen of Heaven Parish, and the Cottage AC Athletic Club.

John loved sports. He played as a catcher in semi-pro baseball, and he was a member of the Northern Kentucky Sports Hall of Fame. He later coached his children in baseball and basketball. He followed UK basketball regularly. He loved to golf with his family and friends at Perry Park, and he and several friends founded the Lewisburg Golf Association. He and his friends met weekly at their favorite restaurant, Stringtown, to share memories of games-gone-by.

In life, John was more than a grand slam. But, even in death, John still thought of others. He chose to have his body donated to University of Cincinnati Anatomical Department, hoping the future medical students could use it to find cures for debilitating illnesses. John died peaceably at St. Elizabeth Medical Center, Edgewood on November 4th, surrounded by his family. John is survived by his wife Beatrice (nee Sebastianelli), 5 children (Jo Ann Ruedebusch, John Lux, Jr., Jerry Lux, Patti Bertagna, and Richard Lux), 12 grandchildren (Lori Ruedebusch, Lisa Parks, Amy Ossendorf, Elisha Brinck, Adam Lux, Bridgette Stegman, Nicholas Bertagna, Gino Bertagna, Jarrod Lux, Jason Lux, Jennifer Lux, and Rick Lux, Jr.) and 13 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his sisters, Delores Cohen, Rita Rusche, Ruth Kriege, and Dorothy Held; and his parents, John V. and Anna Schmees Lux.

The family will receive friends Saturday morning, 10:00 A.M. to 11;00 A.M. at Mary, Queen of Heaven Church in Erlanger, followed by a Memorial Mass of Christian Burial and a reception. Donations are being accepted for Mary Queen of Heaven’s Adopt-a-Student Scholarship, 1150 Donaldson Road, Erlanger, KY 41018 or the favorite charity of donor’s choice. Middendorf-Bullock Funeral Home, Covington is serving the family.