KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Classmates of Luke Bresette gathered outside St. Thomas More School in Kansas City at 2:00 p.m. Friday to release balloons in memory of their friend who was killed two weeks ago in Birmingham, Alabama.
Some of these children are realizing for the first time how fragile life is, even when you’re as young as ten.
Luke was killed when an airport sign announcing arrivals and departures fell on him when he was returning from a trip with his family.
Before the balloon release, several school leaders who knew Luke well talked to the crowd of children about the terrible loss and the symbolism of the balloons.
“He’s staying forever young,” one said. “He will soar up now as if on eagle’s wings with the heavenly host.”
He also reminded the children and adults there that sorrow looks down and worry looks around.
But faith, he said, looks up.
“If you’re missing Luke you can look up to the skies because he’s going to look down upon us.”
Friday evening, the Bresette family will mourn with friends and family.
Sympathy abounds for them today.
Luke’s sudden death has touched the Kansas City-area community.
Many who never knew him are sharing the obituary tribute to him that his parents never expected to have to write.
Below is part of the obituary posted on the Muehlebach Chapel website. To read all of it or donate flowers, or leave a sympathy message for the family CLICK HERE.
Obituary for Luke Bresette:
My name is Luke Bresette and I am your son, grandson, brother, nephew, friend, classmate and teammate. My life spanned almost 11 years and I couldn’t have been happier than to spend all that time with you.
I loved everything about life. If there was a sport, I played it. If there was a game, I played it. I studied when I had to and I loved my teachers even if they had to occasionally get after me. I loved playing with my brothers — Joe, Sam and Tyler — and my sister Anna. I loved being with Mom and Dad and asking them a million questions. I always told my parents I loved them and hugged them every night. I couldn’t wait for recess to play with my friends and especially my cousin Eli. I loved to tell jokes and pull pranks with my friends and on my friends (anyone need 65 hamburgers from Sonic?).
I always smiled because I knew it would make others happy. I was told I have cute dimples and I wouldn’t argue with that.
I was looking forward to playing baseball this spring on the same team as my brother Sam, and my dad was going to be the coach. I wanted to go to Royals games and to summer camp with Scout Troop 601. My dad is an Eagle Scout and I wanted to be just like him.
There was never any chocolate that I didn’t like. I’m sure you will find that hidden bag of candy in my room soon. Just know that it wasn’t my fault! Every time I went to Grammy’s house I’d ask her if she had any Grammy Bars (they are the best!) and if she said no then I’d smile real big, act disappointed, point both thumbs down and say ‘Dang It.’
I wish I had more time to spend with all of you but Jesus must have needed me more. I haven’t asked him why He needed me so soon but I will. I hope you can feel the hugs I’m giving you now and I hope you always will. I will watch over all of you until the day we meet again.
I’ll miss Mom and Dad, my sister and brothers, my Grandpa and Grandma, Papa and Grammy. And I’ll sure miss all my cousins — Emily, Allison, Jake, Will, Andy, Eli, Nathan, Zac, Kylie, Tate, Addy, Timothy, Samantha and Alex. And Uncle Chris and Aunt Stef, Uncle Jeff and Aunt Beth, Uncle Alex, Uncle Walt and Aunt Anice, Uncle Tim and Aunt Tara, Uncle Patrick and Aunt Pam, and Aunt Emily Ann — I’ll miss them too. I’m now happy in heaven with Uncle Bubby who has already been here almost two years. He’s showing me all the neat places to hang out. There are many mansions here, just like it says in the Bible, and they are really cool.
Most of all I want you to know how much I love and miss you. I’ll see you here some day but in the meantime I’ll be watching over you. Please don’t forget me and my smile.
The obituary continues, saying “OUR VERY MUCH LOVED LUKE ALEXANDER BRESETTE WAS TAKEN FROM US ON MARCH 22,2013 IN BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA AS A RESULT OF A VERY TRAGIC AND UNNECESSARY ACCIDENT AT THE AIRPORT.”
Read more about the Bresette family here.
Friends may call from 12:00-5:00 p.m. Friday, April 5 at Saint Thomas More, located at 11800 Holmes Road in Kansas City, Mo.. The family will receive friends from 5:00-8:00 p.m. Friday at the church.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:05 a.m. Saturday, April 6 at Saint Thomas More Church. Interment will be at Mount Olivet Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions made to a fund set up in his name:
Luke Bresette Fund
Saint Thomas More Parish
Attn: Tim Waris
11822 Holmes Road
Kansas City MO, 64131
Condolences may be left for the family at www.muehlebachchapel.com.
