Luke Wienecke Obituary

Robert "Luke" Wienecke, a beloved son, brother, and friend to many, died on May 12, 2023.

Luke was born on June 26, 2002 in Oklahoma City. He grew up in Nichols Hills, attending Christ the King Catholic School and Bishop McGuinness High School. He was an AP student; served on student council all 4 years of high school, and served for two years as Class President; he played on the golf team; he was Master of Assemblies, emceeing school events and rallies, renowned for compelling speeches.

He was blessed with many close friends, a number of whom he attended school with from pre-school through twelfth grade.

After graduating from McGuinness, Luke attended college at George Washington University in Washington, D.C., majoring in Political Science. He interned with Oklahoma Congressman Tom Cole, and for the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development. At home, he interned with OKC Mayor David Holt. He was a writer and Sports Editor for the GW newspaper. His randomly-assigned freshman roommates became a tight knit group that sustained and supported him in his time away from home.

Luke was always a student of life and had a keen analytical mind. His intense focus and varied interests often belied his young age. When he was four years old, Luke drew a thoroughly detailed, labeled rendition of the Titanic on 8 pieces of paper taped together. He was an avid and meticulous collector of basketball cards. Luke had an encyclopedic knowledge of sports statistics. Like many members of his Cooper family, Luke was musical, playing guitar and piano, and he had a surprisingly good singing voice. In recent years, American law and politics were his primary passions, encompassing presidential debates to presidential biographies to obscure Senate subcommittee hearings.

Luke's sharp, inquisitive mind coupled with his humorous, sensitive, kind spirit nurtured close friendships with peers, children, and his elders in equal measure. Luke was especially close with Father Rick Stansberry, the longtime pastor of Christ the King, whom he considered a mentor, confidante, and friend.

Luke had a special relationship with every member of his large family, too numerous to describe here. Since moving to DC, not a day went by without at least one phone call to his mom, Sarah, who was his steadfast champion in all things. He and his dad, Rob, bonded over the Dallas Cowboys and frequent discussions about Luke's future. His love for his siblings was peerless: he and Jeffrey, two-and-half years apart in age, still had their rooms connected by a sliding door, which was frequently left wide open: they had a special brotherly bond and always will. Luke interned for his sister Olivia and brother-in-law Kane's law practice, would often lend an ear to hearing about their cases, and even discussed a future law partnership. Six months ago, Luke became an uncle to his niece Cora and approached the role of "the unc" with characteristic enthusiasm, humor, and joy. One of Luke's most special relationships was with his Grandad, Dick Cooper - who was an always-willing C-SPAN, presidential debate and political issue foil.

Along with his myriad achievements, accolades, close relationships, sense of humor, Luke battled serious mental illness. His struggle with bipolar disorder in recent years has been a roller coaster of the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. His immediate family provided never-ending support, in particular, his mom Sarah was his devoted advocate, always working to perfect his treatment so he could live the life we all knew he deserved. Luke was determined to not let bipolar disorder define him. Ultimately, the battle came to an end when Luke took his own life.

All who know Luke are so proud of him and grateful for the many experiences and accomplishments that will be his legacy. It now falls to those who knew and loved him to carry forward his good works and kind deeds. He made every moment of his twenty years count.

Luke is survived by his loving parents, Robert and Sarah Wienecke; sister Olivia Glazner Cassil, brother-in-law Kane Cassil, and niece Cora Cassil; brother Jeffrey Wienecke; Grandad, Richard Cooper; uncle Steve Cooper & aunt Annamarie Cooper, cousins Adam & Tara Cooper, Elaine & Jacob Simon, Claire Cooper, and Ann Cooper; aunt Rebecca Gordon, cousins Jordan Cody, Genevieve Gordon, Liliana Gordon, and Matt & Sarah Brown; aunt Catherine Vaughn & uncle Jim Vaughn, cousin Alex Valleroy; uncle Michael Cooper & aunt Rachel Cooper, cousins Maegan and Carrie Cooper; uncle Tim Cooper & aunt Erin Cooper, cousins Elise and Adele Cooper; uncle Matt Wienecke & aunt Sally Wienecke, cousins Chandler and Colton Wienecke; uncle Alan Wienecke, cousins Carl & Monica Wienecke; and aunt Gretchen Wienecke & uncle Bob Herre, cousins Matt, Bobby, and Nikki Herre; as well as great-aunts, great-uncles, second cousins, and many other loving relatives. He is preceded in death by Grandma Shirley Cooper and Grandparents Bob & Nancy Wienecke.

An Evening Prayer Service will be held on Wednesday May 17, 2023 at 7:00 PM at Christ the King Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, May 18, 2023 at 2:00 also at Christ the King Catholic Church.

Congressman Cole issued the following statement about Luke: http://cole.house.gov.

A flag will be flown over the United States Capitol to honor Luke and presented to his family with gratitude for his faithful service.

In Luke's memory, the family encourages donations to the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance of Oklahoma through a link on their website at http://www.dbsaok.org or by contacting the organization directly.