Father Michael Luke Ubben, O.F.M.

Fr. Michael Luke Ubben, OFM, a Franciscan friar of the Sacred Heart Province, died on Friday, June 11, 2021, at the age of 72, at Manitowoc Health and Rehabilitation Center in Manitowoc, WI. He was born on November 19, 1948, in Monmouth, IL, to Harold and Viona (Hicken) Ubben. He was baptized in the Lutheran faith at his parent’s home on November 27, 1948. The family moved to Seaton, IL, and he completed his grade school and high school education at the public schools in Aledo, IL.

Michael Luke’s dad owned a hardware store and specialized in pump and well work. It was natural for Michael Luke to become a repairman for washing machines and other appliances.  He also worked for Sears on a crew that did plumbing and electrical work for customers.

His faith journey led him to the Catholic Church. The Christian Community of St. Ann, in Brooks, WI, welcomed Michael Luke into full communion with the Roman Catholic Church on the 9th of February, 1982, as he made his Solemn Profession of Faith, was confirmed, and shared in the Holy Eucharist.

Several years later, he entered into Franciscan formation at Our Lady of Angels Seminary in Quincy, IL. Following these years, he applied for admission to the novitiate of the Sacred Heart Province. He professed his first vows on August 13, 1988, in Franklin, IN., and professed solemn vows on September 25, 1993, at St. John’s Church in Joliet, IL. His ministry took him to Petoskey, MI, Harbor Springs, MI, St. Paul, MN, and Chicago, IL.

Following a period of discernment, Michael Luke began studies for the priesthood and was ordained a deacon by Bishop Joseph Perry on April 17, 2004, and ordained a priest by Bishop Lawrence Sabatini, on May 21, 2005. During his priestly ministry, he was a confessor at St. Peter’s Church in Chicago, did supply ministry for the dioceses of Crowley, TX, Quincy, IL, and Chicago, IL. His final ministry before retirement was chaplain to the Poor Clare sisters in St. Louis, MO. His many years of living with COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) led to his retirement from active ministry. He retired at St. Clare Friary in Alton, IL, in 2016, and then moved to Blessed Giles Friary in Manitowoc, WI, in 2018. Shortly after moving to Manitowoc Health and Rehabilitation Center, he died on Friday, June 11th.

Fr. Michael Luke was preceded in death by his parents, Harold John and Viona Elizabeth Ubben, and his brother, Ronald Ubben. He is survived by his Franciscan brothers of the Sacred Heart Province, his daughter Cherish Lynne James and her husband Todd D. James, of Bradford, TN; one granddaughter, Tesa Viona James. He is also survived by his sister, Marilyn M. Zielke, of Aledo, IL., and his four nieces and one nephew.

The friars would like to express their appreciation to Fr. Michael Luke’s caregivers: those at Blessed Giles Friary, Holy Family Memorial Hospice, and at Manitowoc Health and Rehabilitation.

The Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated in the chapel of Blessed Giles Friary, located at 1820 Grand Avenue, Manitowoc, WI, on Thursday, June 17, 2021, at 10:00 am. Friars and family will gather at Warren County Memorial Park Cemetery, in Monmouth, IL, on August 9, 2021, for the burial.

In your kindness, please consider making a donation in memory of Fr. Michael Luke Ubben, O.F.M., for the continued care of our retired Franciscan brothers and priests. Any donation would be greatly appreciated. Please send your charitable contributions to: Blessed Giles Friary, 1820 Grand Avenue, Manitowoc, WI, 54220. May God bless you.

The Pfeffer Funeral Home, Manitowoc, WI, is assisting the friars with funeral arrangements.

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