Luke Paul MacLean, age 47, of Belleville, WI, passed away on April 18th, 2025, as a result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident. He was born in Madison, WI on August 28th, 1977 to Wing and Patricia (Carlsen) MacLean.  Luke graduated from Mount Horeb High School in 1996.  Upon graduation, he completed a carpentry apprenticeship and has worked as a carpenter since. On September 28, 2002, Luke was united in marriage to Lanee Richardson at St. Mary of Lourdes in Belleville. Luke and Lanee had three children.

Luke was a remarkable man whose boundless spirit touched countless lives. Known for his loving heart, hard-working mentality, and generous soul, Luke lived each day to the fullest, leaving an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him. He was a devoted father, husband, son, and brother, whose love knew no limits. He approached parenthood with a balance of guidance and playfulness, teaching life's important lessons while ensuring there was always room for fun and games.  His children were his greatest pride, and he never missed an opportunity to support them in athletics, showing poultry at the fair, coaching, and introducing them to the outdoors every chance he could find. He shared his passions for sports and the outdoors with countless friends and family, but especially with his kids.  They were activities that brought them closer and created cherished memories.

To his friends, Luke was the reliable shoulder to lean on and the first to arrive when help was needed. No matter the hour or circumstance, he answered the call with a kind heart to help. His friendship was a treasured gift, offered freely and without expectation. Whether it was a random Monday morning phone call while driving to the next job site to check in, or maybe a sing-along of old country folklore songs around an ice fishing hole or campfire, he was the one to fill your heart and soul with sincerity and love. Luke was always willing to share his opinion and shower you with his vast knowledge of trivia facts that never ceased to amaze. He was often the life of any gathering – quick with a story that would leave the room in laughter and sometimes bewilderment. His ability to connect with people from all walks of life and ages was a rare gift that made everyone feel valued and heard. He was always ready to lighten any situation with a smile or a well-timed joke.

Luke's interests were extensive and mostly involved his passion for the outdoors. He spent countless hours doing what he loved and had a deep drive for adventure. Traveling out West with friends and family to share the experience of either fishing or hunting was one of his favorite things to do. Despite fishing in some of the most beautiful places in North America, the Northwoods of Wisconsin was his go-to spot. Countless trips to their cabin in Tomahawk or the various other locations across the state of Wisconsin were some of Luke's most memorable times. No matter who was holding the fishing pole, nothing made Luke happier than a tight line, especially when there was a musky on the other end. Luke could always find time to fish, even if there was a honey-do list at home. At home, he enjoyed his time at his property near New Glarus where he would take his kids hunting, cutting firewood, looking for morel mushrooms, trapping, and making maple syrup. When venturing out into the woods, no rock or long-forgotten piece of debris went unturned as he was drawn to what creature might be lurking beneath. So much of what Luke loved existed in the unknown, as he rarely passed up the opportunity for "a shake of the day" or a pile of pull tabs. Luke was a child at heart, which made him the lovable "Big Mac" he will always be in the hearts of those who loved him.

It would be remiss to honor Luke MacLean without mentioning his unwavering work ethic. He worked most of his life in construction and approached every task with determination and excellence. Luke was extremely handy and always a great resource to bounce ideas off of. His knowledge of all things construction was unmatched, but the relationships formed with the people he worked with were an absolute pleasure to Luke. He was always grateful for the efforts of everyone he employed or worked with over the years.

His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched, the helping hands he extended, and the joyful memories he created. Though deeply missed, the light Luke brought to this world continues to shine through all who knew and loved him. May we honor his memory by embracing life with the same enthusiasm and kindness that made Luke the extraordinary person he was and will forever be remembered as.

Luke is survived by his wife Lanee and their three children Libby, Eve, and Blake. His parents, Wing & Pat MacLean, sister Anne (John), half-sister Solvi (Glen), many brother- in-law and sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews.

Luke was preceded in death by his grandparents George & Lola MacLean and Carl & Dorothy Carlsen, and father-in-law and mother-in-law Jerry & Garnett Richardson.

A Celebration of Luke's Life will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 27, 2025 at the Edelweiss Chalet Country Club, W4764 Edelweiss Rd., New Glarus, WI.

The Becker-Beal Funeral Home of Belleville is assisting the family.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established for the kids.