Lyla Fluke
October 21, 1910 - January 15, 2010
Obituary
Age 99, of Seattle, passed away peacefully, at her home, January 15, 2010.
Lyla was born in Maddock, North Dakota, October 21, 1910, to Anne Marie Rodberg, and Olaf Johann Skram, the third of four children. At age six, the family moved to Colorado. She was a junior in high school when the family moved to Seattle, where she graduated from Roosevelt High School. Just before graduation from the University of Washington, on Mother’s Day, 1935, she met her future husband, John M. Fluke. She taught at Edmonds High School for two years, while John worked for his Master’s Degree at MIT. In 1937, they were married in Schnectady, New York.
They spent the years of World War II in Washington, D.C. where John served in the Naval Bureau of Ships. After the War, they moved to Stamford, Connecticut, where he started his electronic test and measurement equipment company in the basement of their home. It became Fluke Manufacturing.
In Dec. 1952, when the company outgrew the basement, John and Lyla moved three employees, and their households to Seattle. It was their dream to relocate back to their roots, and to God’s Country! By this time they had three children: Virginia, John Jr., and David.
Lyla had developed Myasthenia Gravis, a debilitating disease which brings on terrible muscular weakness, double vision, difficulty swallowing, and, in her case, paralyzed breathing muscles. The stress of the move brought on a crisis, landing her in Harborview Hospital, on New Year’s Eve, 1952, after firemen no 911 at that time worked over her for four hours, reviving her breathing. The doctor had pulled apart his stethoscope, and performed a traecheotomy on the sofa. She was in an iron lung at Harborview Hospital for two weeks, and given an experimental drug. The drug, OMPA for short, was successful , and after a month in the hospital, she was released. Within a year, the doctor allowed her to gradually lower her dosage to the point of elimination. She no longer needed the medication. She is one of the very few patients known to go into a permanent remission of the mysterious, but totally debilitating disease. The family gives God the glory for this medically unexplainable MIRACLE !
Lyla returned to her energetic love of life, giving her ‘all’ to her family, and establishing a chapter of the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation in Seattle. The first project was to educate doctors in the area about the disease, since so many sufferers had been misdiagnosed.
Lyla later poured her enthusiastic efforts toward providing scholarships for college engineering students through the Women’s Auxiliary of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers IEEE.
She also worked diligently as a member of the Moritz Thomsen Guild which benefited the Museum of History and Industry in Seattle.
She was an avid member of the Antiquarian Society in Seattle, and directed many creative and delightful fund raising events for its benefit.
Both Lyla and John gave their whole hearted support to the Seattle Symphony, and have left a legacy of which the family is proud, especially endowing the Fluke/Gabelein Organ Series.
Lyla’s family was her greatest joy, surpassed only by her devotion to her Lord Jesus Christ. She and John were married 46 years when he passed away Feb. 11, 1984.
She leaves behind her daughter: Virginia Gabelein Roger; their family: grandson, Kevin Gabelein, Brittany, great grandsons, Dillon and Carson; grandson, Michael Gabelein, Deanna, great grandson, Beck; grandson, Jonathan, Nicole, great grandchildren: Michael A., and Olivia; her son, John Fluke, jr., Lynne, grandchildren: John Fluke III, Jourdan Fluke, and Adam Fluke; and her son, David Fluke, Dorothy.
The Service of Celebration for Lyla Fluke will be held at University Presbyterian Church, 4540 15th Ave. NE, Seattle, Friday, January 29, 2010, at 11 a.m., reception following at the church, and a private service of interment for family, at Evergreen– Washelli Cemetery, Seattle.
Donations in her memory, are suggested to University Presbyterian Church, Children’s Hospital, or a favorite charity.
Please sign Lyla’s online guestbook at www.wiggenandsons.com.
I’ll miss you great grandma!!! Give Jesus a hug for me!
Dearest Lyla,
What an incredible legacy you have left. Your wonderful family is a true credit to you.
I cherish the memories of our times together.
Rest softly dearest Lyla
We were sorry to learn of the passing of your beloved Mother. On behalf of the midshipmen who benefited from her many scholarships and her continuing support of the NROTC program at the University we express our deep appreciation. She was a true friend.
Lyla was my Grandmother’s cousin Agnes. We were all so sad to hear of her passing. All of my best wishes to your family!
I have fond memories of both Lyla and John from many years ago when John’s Co. was in Ballard. God Bless
Dear John, Virginia and family, So sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. John, I first met your mother when you and I were seniors at Ballard, and Virginia, we shared times with Miss Charlton and again as parents at Kings. My deepest sympathies to each of you and know that you and your families are in my thoughts and prayers.
Mike, Kevin, Jonathan, I am sorry to read of your loss, I met your grandmother a couple times when I was at your house many years ago. All my best to you and to your family.
I was president of the Women’s IEEE and have many happy memories of Lyla including visits to her home. She was a wonderful friend. It was very nice of her to invite us to Virginia’s wedding and I recall the girls singing, the church choir and Heidi playing at the reception. Blessings to all of you.
Dear Dave & Family:
We just heard the news of your mothers passing from Tim Ferguson. I am filled with emotions thinking back to my growing up with the Fluke family. So many wonderful memories of exciting times. I know your mom will find peace in heaven. I hope to make contact with you soon Dave-we have a lot of catching up to do.
For Now, with Love,
Marc Von Stubbe
We send you are deepest sympathy. Lyla and I ”reconnected” the Iowa Rodbergs with you all after the older generation had passed on. I enjoyed all my conversations with her and her stories of her mother and father. So from all your relatives in Iowa: May God give you peace in knowing of his bountiful grace poured out on Lyla not only in this life, but fully in God’s kingdom.