More than a century to celebrate

On December 10, Windhaven resident Anne Lukes celebrates her 102nd birthday.

The Decorah native moved to Cedar Falls to be closer to family. She can’t point to any specific reason for her longevity and admits it’s not about keeping a regular routine of eating right and exercising.

“Heavens, no. Do whatever you want to do. It’s a free world,” she asserts. “I don’t like any restrictions. I like to live my life and enjoy life.”

One constant throughout her 102 years brings particular joy.

“I love music, both to listen and to play. I played the piano and organ, both the electric and pump organ, for church,” she says. “I used to sing, too, but I don’t anymore.”

Anne doesn’t particularly care for having photographs taken, but she agreed to for this article.

“Both my dad and my husband loved to take pictures, so I kind of had a life where somebody was always taking your picture. And I never liked them,” she recalls. “And at one time, it had to be where you had to hold the pose. You didn’t dare move or the picture would be blurry!”

Anne says family has brought her the most joy, and she’s most proud of surviving and living the kind of life that she likes. And, she says, she’s a happy person.

Happy 102nd birthday, Anne!