LUKE WERNER, "Mr. Charger," passed away May 1, 2015. He was born March 7, 1957, to Peter and Elaine Werner in Mondovi, Wis. Luke was one of nine children and was favored, with reason. Luke was quickly diagnosed as Mongoloid (Downs Syndrome) and Elaine, just as quickly, picked up a quest to assist Luke in developing beyond the expectations of the day. She begged, petitioned, prayed, and paid for him to be admitted to St. Coletta's School for Exceptional Children in Jefferson, Wis. Luke developed many skills and loves at this school. In 1973, the Werner family relocated to Las Vegas. Luke was admitted to Ed W. Clark High School and proudly graduated June 1, 1976. Luke was joyous and also intense. This was best manifested by his extreme love and devotion to his high school. By the time Luke graduated from Clark, he felt that he was part of the fiber of the school. He did not want to leave it. He became "Mr. Charger." Countless students, faculty, and staff were affected by his contagious smile, his enduring warmth and his unconditional love. Luke had no politics, no preferences, no reserve. His life was one of inclusion, not judgement and exclusion. Luke is correctly described as, "The Heart of Clark." Luke had interests outside of Clark. He was fastidious about studying Winston Churchill, the United States Presidents, the Catholic Church and most areas of the war in Europe in World War II. His knowledge was astounding. On the lighter side, Disney was the happiest place on Earth, he believed in Santa, he loved the Grinch, and took Winnie the Pooh as a lifelong friend. He fully believed in miracles and felt deserving of them. Luke died of an Earthly illness that grabbed him, but he is now set free to expand his life in Heaven. Luke was preceded in death by his parents, Pete and Elaine; and by his beloved sister, Maureen. Luke's family included, Joan Werner White (Jeff) of Florida, Rita Werner Alleyne of Las Vegas, Timothy Werner (Nancy) of Cincinnati, Peter Werner (Kit) of Milwaukee, Patricia Werner Meixner of Eau Claire, Wis., Martin Werner (Sandy) of Altoona, Wis., Brian Werner of Las Vegas; and brother-in-law, Tom Woods. Luke was blessed with many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces. There will be a Luke Walk of Fame available for viewing at 3 p.m. Celebration of life for Luke will be at 4 p.m. Friday, May 15, at Christ the King Catholic Community, 4925 S. Torrey Pines, Las Vegas, NV 89118. A scholarship fund is being set up for Ed W. Clark students through www.Project150.org.
 

Clark High School legend Luke Werner dies

By KRISTEN DESILVA
REVIEWJOURNAL.COM
May 1, 2015

A high school community, friends and family are mourning after a family member says a Clark High School legend died early Friday morning at the age of 58.

Luke Werner was known as “Mr. Charger,” after the school’s mascot. Luke’s sister, Rita Werner Alleyne, had been updating friends on Facebook with his condition.

Friday morning, Alleyne updated friends and family with his passing.

“Luke is in charge of the hallways of heaven now. May Day has a new meaning to me. He sure changed the world. What a force of goodness,” she wrote. “My brother, my pal … I miss you already. My heart is bruised and sore and I will not do this transition easily. So happy for your comfort though, sweetie!”

Luke graduated from Clark High School in 1976. After graduation, he stuck around as a volunteer to help out coaches and work as a hall monitor, according to former students. He became known as a friend of anyone who’s passed through Clark’s hallways in the last four decades.

Alleyne said last week he had been physically weakened by a heart failure and a past battle with Hodgkin’s lymphoma nine years ago.

Last week, Luke was diagnosed with stage 4 lymphoma and began chemotherapy sessions.

A YouCaring profile has been set up for Luke’s family. Former and current students have spread the word on social media to help his family with donations, including a campaign to involve late-night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel, another Clark High School alum.

Kimmel tweeted about it on Tuesday, calling out to his other Clark alumni.

“Las Vegas Clark HS alumni —let’s help Luke A.K.A. ‘Mr. Charger’ with medical expenses,” Kimmel tweeted.