Pastor August “Augie” Herman Lubkeman Jr., 94, Bloomington, IL passed away at 6:40 am Saturday, June 6, 2026 at Martin Health Center, Bloomington.

Rev. August H. Lubkeman was born on March 19, 1932, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, the son of August and Minnie Schroeder Lubkeman Sr. He attended Bethlehem Lutheran School and later Concordia Preparatory School in Fort Wayne before enrolling at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis in 1952. During his seminary training, he served as vicar at Trinity Lutheran Church in Bloomington, Illinois, from 1955 to 1956.

On September 2, 1956, he married June C. Raymond of Bloomington, Illinois. They became the parents of three children: David Lee Lubkeman, Cary, NC, Timothy James (Ruthie) Lubkeman, Urbana, IL and Rebecca Marie (Paul) Fox, Elgin, IL.

Other survivors include three grandchildren, Nicole, Jacob and Michelle Fox, two great grandchildren, Jax and Eli Bihlmaier, and one brother-in-law, Jim Raymond.

He is preceded in death by his wife, June, one brother, William and one sister, Mary Lou Johnson.

Rev. Lubkeman was ordained into the pastoral ministry of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod on July 28, 1957, and installed as assistant pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Bloomington. He served the congregation until 1960.

In 1960, he accepted a call from the Mission Board of the Central Illinois District to begin a new congregation in Peoria, Illinois. He helped establish Immanuel Lutheran Church and served there until 1965.

He then accepted a call to serve the dual parish of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Chenoa and St. Paul Lutheran Church in Lexington, Illinois. Rev. Lubkeman served those congregations for 18 years, during which time he and his family became part of the Chenoa community.

In 1983, he accepted a call to Memorial Lutheran Church in Bremerton, Washington. He served there until retiring on January 1, 1997, concluding nearly 40 years in the pastoral ministry of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.

Following retirement, Rev. Lubkeman continued to assist congregations in Washington during pastoral vacancies. In 2011, he and his wife returned to Bloomington, Illinois, to be closer to family. He is a member of Christ Lutheran Church in Normal, Illinois.

In 2023, Rev. Lubkeman was recognized for 65 years since his ordination into the pastoral ministry of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.

Beyond his years of faithful pastoral service, Rev. Lubkeman enjoyed many of life’s simple blessings. He especially enjoyed spending time on the golf course, where he appreciated both the challenge of the game and the fellowship it provided. An avid reader, he found pleasure in both classic literature and contemporary novels, always valuing the opportunity to learn, reflect, and enjoy a good story. Family remained at the center of his life, and he treasured gatherings, celebrations, and time spent with children, grandchildren, and loved ones. Above all, Rev. Lubkeman’s life was guided by his enduring faith and his commitment to serving God, a calling that shaped both his ministry and his daily life.

The family has planned a memorial service at 11:30 am Tuesday, June 16, 2026 at Christ Lutheran Church, Normal with Pastor Timothy Fitzner officiating. Private burial will be in Chenoa Twp. Cemetery. Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Chenoa is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be directed to Christ Lutheran Church, Normal.