Luke Patrick Delia

Palmer resident Luke Patrick Delia, 21, died Jan. 21, 2013, at Mat-Su Regional Medical Center after a lifelong battle with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

Luke was born Dec. 22, 1991, in Palmer. He served as Goodwill Ambassador for the Alaska Chapter of MDA from 1999-2001. Since graduating from Colony High School in 2010, he was able to purchase his own wheelchair-accessible van and fulfill his lifelong dream of designing and living in his own home.

Luke was an adventurous free spirit and lived his life to the fullest. He accomplished things his way, free of supposed limitations. He loved his family, inspirational quotes, writing poetry, NASCAR, playing PlayStation games, four-wheeling, boating and the great Alaskan outdoors, especially the sunshine.

Luke was an inspiration to everyone who came into contact with him. The smile on his face and the joy in his eyes showed in his life. He knew something we didn’t; without saying a word he would make us all strive to be better people.

Luke was creative, thoughtful and a loving soul. He will be dearly missed by his family.

Surviving are his parents, Glen and Misty Vanderweele and Patrick and Bessie Delia; sisters, Jenna and Sydnee; brothers, David and Ethan; grandparents, Joe and Norma, Ben and Suus, Raylene, Doug, Carlene, George and Bessie.

A celebration of is from 12:30 to 2 p.m., Jan. 26 at Church on the Rock in Wasilla. Burial will follow at Palmer Pioneer Cemetery. Reception will follow, to be announced.

Special thanks to MDA, Make a Wish, Marie at MSSCA, Consumer Direct, all those who cared for him over the years, Excel Physical Therapy, Health Quest Inc., Marie Downey, Dr. Rhodes, Dr. Spencer and the Palmer UPS Store.

Arrangements are with Alaskan Heritage Memorial Chapel and Crematory in Wasilla.