Sgt. Luke J. Zimmerman, Luxemburg, was killed on Friday, Oct. 27, 2006 in Iraq. Luke was born May 28, 1982 in Green Bay to Wesley Zimmerman and Claire (Denissen) Dombrowski. He was a graduate of Luxemburg-Casco High School, class of 2000.

Luke is survived by his mother Claire (Denissen) and Richard B. Dombrowski Jr., who filled the role of his absent biological father and treated Luke as his own child since Luke was in the third grade. He is further survived by his brother Leonardo C. Zimmerman of Green Bay and his two step-sisters Brooke M. Dombrowski, Green Bay and Toni L. Dombrowski, Little Suamico. Also surviving are maternal grandfather, Alfred Denissen, Green Bay; uncles and aunts, Michael and Rose Denissen; Robert and Christine Belport, Green Bay; Scott and Linda Denissen, Kentucky; Dean and Julie Hoegger, Sturgeon Bay; Kurt and Monica Denissen, Milwaukee; Donald and Katherine Brosig, Green Bay; loving cousins, and step-grandmother, Rosemary Gagnon, Green Bay. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother Mary Denissen and paternal grandmother Patricia Zimmerman.

Luke loved his family and was immensely proud of being in the U.S. Marine Corps. He always was so full of energy and pep, so kind and willing to help, share, and just goof off. He enjoyed his time just being Luke, from his video games, to his little corny trinkets, to all his activities outside the home. He lettered in wrestling, track and cross country. Going to Team State with his wrestling pals and also medaling in track at LaCrosse with his exceptional relay teams. He also gave football a shot in his underclassman year and completed the season dutifully because quitting mid-season was not an accepted option (even though it wasn’t his forte’).

Luke worked tirelessly at Julie’s Café all the while engaged in a full slate of extra-curricular sports. He never complained and rarely, if ever, missed his work assignment. Luke was so committed to the Marine Corps that he made his mind up in the 7th grade. He joined the program for early enlistment and left almost immediately after graduation. He re-enlisted after his first 4-year tour. He enjoyed his job at the U.S. Embassy in Austria. He then had 18 months left to serve while stationed at Quantico, VA. but wasn’t able to accept other Marines doing what he felt Marines were supposed to do. So he selflessly volunteered to join the unit that was going to be deployed to Iraq. Luke enlisted in the infantry and expected to be a warrior; and wanted to live up to the standards of a man and a Marine. We believe he achieved those milestones. Luke was passionately known as “the mule” by his Marine comrades, and those who personally knew him can relate to that. Luke and his family kept all service members, and especially U.S. Marines as equals. No one Marine was esteemed over another (maybe Chesty). Luke was so proud to have received his Combat Action Ribbon and his Iraqi Campaign Service Medal. In addition to being decorated with a Purple Heart, Luke’s service ribbons included the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal with one star in lieu of a second award, War on Terrorism Service Medal, Navy Unit Commendation Navy/Marine Corps and the Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with three Bronze Star Devices, and the National Defense Service Medal.

Luke’s parents and brother were blessed by the Lord to have him for 24-plus years. When notified, one of his mother’s biggest worries was if other Marines got injured. Luke’s parents would like to attempt to thank Steve and Julie Metzler and their sons Scott, Troy, Greg, and Eric for almost unofficially “adopting” Luke. They spent countless times with their buddy and co-worker. Luke loved, “The Metzlers” and the feeling was unequivocally reciprocal. Special thanks also to Captain T.M. Mitchell, U.S.M.C. and Corporal Stigsell for doing an exceptional job in assisting Luke’s mom with what the Marines do best – taking care of their own. Semper Fidelis. Pastor William Kamke and the parishioners of the Robinsonville Presbyterian Church of New Franken have been so kind, compassionate and accommodating.

Friends may call at Proko-Wall Funeral Home, 1630 E. Mason St. on Friday from 3 to 8 p.m. Visitation will continue on Saturday at Robinsonville Presbyterian Church, corner of Doris Rd. and Cty Rd. K, from 9 a.m. until the time of service. Funeral Service 10:30 a.m. at the church with Pastor William Kamke officiating. Fittingly, Sergeant ZIMMERMAN, Luke J., U.S.M.C. will be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery, marking the last chapter in a noble young man’s life. Affirmative, over and out.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy a memorial fund has been established in Luke’s name. On-line condolences may be sent to Luke’s family at www.prokowall.com