Alan was diagnosed with Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease (CJD) in the fall of 2025. What began in September as a subtle feeling of being “off balance” quickly progressed into noticeable physical and cognitive changes.
The day after Thanksgiving, those changes led to a visit to the emergency room, where doctors shared devastating news: Alan was likely facing a rare neurodegenerative disease our family had never heard of. Blood tests and a lumbar puncture were performed, and on December 12, we received confirmation — as much as CJD can be confirmed — that Alan was facing a terminal illness marked by continued neurological deterioration.
Alan passed away one month later.
That final month was filled with more love and support than we ever could have imagined. Alan’s days were spent surrounded by visitors, stories, laughter — and an unexpected obsession with cookies. He asked for them multiple times a day, much to our amusement, and even when we had to tell him no, he would laugh right along with us. Those small moments brought so much joy during an otherwise difficult time, and they are memories we will always treasure.
Even as his body declined, Alan stayed determined. He wanted to keep walking as long as he could, held steady in hope, and never complained. He was able to be at home with his family on the day he passed away, going quickly and peacefully, his eyes to Heaven.
Alan's Life and Legacy
Alan grew up in Lemay, Missouri, the son of Frank and Wilma Luster. He was one of six children, with four sisters and two younger brothers. A graduate of Hancock High School, Alan spent his four years on the wrestling team, trying his hand at various jobs, and forming friendships that would last a lifetime.
In 1984, he married the love of his life, Mary Ann Mueller. Together, they rode the waves of life for 41 years.
Alan trained as a flooring installer and worked as a proud member of the Carpenters Union for 36 of those years. He took great pride in his craft and labored long days, nights, and many weekends to provide for his family. He and Mary raised two children — Katie and Erik — who he was so deeply proud of.
Like most fathers, Alan faced challenges along the way, but he never quit and never gave up. Even after exhausting workweeks, he faithfully took his family to church on Sundays and his children to youth group on Wednesday nights. One of the greatest gifts Alan gave his children was a deep foundation of faith. He understood that life brings curveballs — and that faith would be essential when those curveballs came.
When Alan wasn’t working, he was usually outside — grilling pork steaks while listening to the ballgame, taking long walks with Mary, or simply spending time in the yard he took so much pride in. Talk radio was always on, and it wasn’t unusual to find AM headphones around his neck. He enjoyed riding his bike; had plans to restore his Honda motorcycles; loved listening to Alabama and the Beach Boys; and collected just about anything “old and cool.” He loved visiting his favore grand-dogs, Brody and Julian, and could never get enough time with his grandson, Asher. Also, no list of Alan’s favorite things would be complete without mentioning Costco, where he could happily spend several hours a day, several days of the week.
Honoring Alan’s Memory
Alan F. Luster, 65, came to rest peacefully in his home on Saturday, January 17, 2026.
Alan was a devoted husband, father, grandpa, grandpaw, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, and friend to many. He built a life grounded in hard work, loyalty, and love for his family. Alan spent 36 years as a flooring installer, a career that reflected both his skill and his character—steady, dependable, and deeply committed.
Alan was the beloved husband of Mary Ann Luster and a devoted father to Katie (Tyler) Roussin and Erik (Allison) Luster. He was a proud and loving grandpa to his grandson, Asher Luster, and a doting grandpaw to Brody and Julian. He was a cherished brother to Diane (Bob) Bradley and Dale (Donna) Luster; and brother-in-law to David Hanson.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Wilma (née Kyle) Luster; his sister, Linda Hanson; and his sister, Doris Davis.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the CJD Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting families affected by Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease and advancing research toward better understanding, treatment, and ultimately a cure.