Luke David Ray Lott

GARBER, IOWA

Luke David Ray Lott, 46, of Garber, Iowa, passed away Monday, June 22, 2026, surrounded by his loved ones at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse, WI.

A Celebration of Life will be held 2 – 6 p.m. on July 26, 2026, at Elkport-Garber Community Center in loving memory of Luke.

Luke was born on March 25, 1980, in Waterloo, Iowa, the son of Donald and Vivian (Hanley) Lott. He married the love of his life, April Backes, on August 7, 2010, in Volga, Iowa.

For most of his life, Luke worked as a heavy equipment operator for PCI and Pattison Sand Company. While he took pride in his work, nothing meant more to him than his family. Together, Luke and April raised four amazing children, and he also became a father figure to many others whose lives he touched.

Luke had a gift for making people feel like family. One of the ways he showed his affection was by giving nicknames to nearly everyone he cared about—a sure sign that you had earned a special place in his heart. He treated his friends like family, was always willing to lend a helping hand, and never hesitated to be there for someone in need. His shop was a gathering place where friends and family shared stories, laughter, and an "Old Mill."

He found joy in life's simple pleasures—taking field trips, fishing at the pond, restoring old Ford vehicles and Allis-Chalmers tractors (always insisting they were "diamonds" that would last forever), tending to his tiger lilies, watching UFC and cheering on the San Francisco 49ers, putting together puzzles, enjoying a good back scratch, and singing and dancing to all kinds of music with the kids.

Luke will be remembered for his larger-than-life personality, his unforgettable sense of humor, and his storytelling—often a little embellished—that could keep everyone entertained. Whether he was cracking a joke that filled a room with laughter or sharing a story with one of his trademark nicknames woven into the conversation, Luke had a way of making every moment memorable. His love, generosity, and laughter will be deeply missed and forever cherished by all who knew him.

Survivors include his loving wife, April; children: Arianna, Alexander, Lily and Lexi; siblings: Daniel (Renelle) Lott of Colorado, Diane Lott-Garcia of California, Michael Lott of Colorado, Linda Lott of Kansas, Joseph (Melissa) Lott of Colorado, Samuel Lott and Thomas (Kimberly) Lott both of Iowa; parents-in-law, Randy and Karen Backes; grandmother-in-law, Myrna Backes; in-laws: Joseph (Nicole) Backes, Timothy Backes both of Iowa and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

The family would like to thank the EMTs, police officers on site and the staff at the Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center for their compassion and care.

Morris Funeral Home (Dyersville, Guttenberg, Garnavillo, Monticello, Holy Cross) is assisting the family and online condolences may be left for the family at www.kramer-morrisfuneralhome.com.