Jean-Michel Lucasse

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Jean-Michel Lucasse, who left us on August 12, 2023, of natural causes at the age of 78. He passed away peacefully in the loving care of Ark of Life Assisted Living Home in Glendale, Arizona.

Born October 22, 1944, Jean led a life that touched the hearts of many. He was known for his kindness, humor, generosity, and his love for life itself. He faced life’s challenges with determination and grace and always carried a smile with an infectious positive outlook that inspired those around him. 

Throughout his life he continued to seek knowledge and always share what he learned with others. He loved to dance and listen to music. Jean loved to travel and visit with family and friends. He enjoyed exploring new technology (cameras, computers, televisions) and watching spy and western genre movies and shows. He was an avid ping pong player and enjoyed watching basketball. One of his greatest passions was to own and drive fast cars. 

Jean was a loving and supportive husband to the love of his life, Bonna Rae (Farmer). After a lengthy 38-year courtship, they were married on the 11th of July 2008 and together lived life to the fullest. He was stepfather to Patricia Ann Pelfrey (Sheldon Sturges), Susan Gail Pelfrey, the late Deborah Fay Pelfrey, the late Stephen Laval Pelfrey (Connie Pelfrey), and Cathy Lynn Pelfrey (Rick Jones). From these children he has 14 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren, in addition to a wide variety of friends and family.

Jean was born in Verdun, Meuse, Lorraine, France to Albert “Jean” Edouard Lucasse (1914-1983) and Marie-Louise Monzein (1920-2000). The youngest of three children, Jean-Michel had a brother, Gerard André Lucasse (1939-1994) and sister, Nicole Lucasse (Norman Newbury and children, Carol and Janet (1943-2014). Jean was born and raised in Verdun, France, and graduated from Lycee Buvingnier in 1962. He grew a great appreciation for music and dancing in his youth while helping his family run their theater business. This would later benefit him when he began a new life in the United States where he met his sweetheart, Bonna, while he was a dance instructor at Arthur Murray dance studio in April 1970. 

Jean loved technology and pursued a career in telecommunications with Mountain Bell (US West, Qwest). Jean enjoyed early retirement during which time he continued to travel back to France as well as visit the rest of Bonna’s family in the United States. He loved to drive and would drive wherever he could when visiting. 

Jean will be dearly missed and remembered for his love for his wife Bonna, the importance he placed on family, his willingness to help others, his generosity, dependability, and cheerfulness that made him a cherished presence in the lives of all who knew him.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 2, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at the Wheeler Mortuary, 211 East 200 South, Springville, UT 84663 with a visitation at 10:30 where friends and family can gather to honor Jean’s memory. Burial will take place following the services at the Evergreen Cemetery; 1997 South 400 East (off Highway 89), Springville, UT.

Though he may be gone from this world, his spirit will continue to live on in the memories and stories we share. We invite you to join us in celebrating Jean’s life and legacy as we come together to remember the journey he shared with us.

Rest in peace, Jean-Michel. You will forever remain in our hearts.

For those unable to join us in person, services will be streamed live beginning at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 2nd at the following link:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d69HDZOblnY