1921 – 2003

AUBURN – Nils Johann Lugner, 82, of University Drive, Auburn died at his home Wednesday, Oct. 15, surrounded by his family.

Mr. Lugner, the son of Swedish immigrants, Henry and Emma (Svenson) Lugner was born in Boston, Mass., on June 29, 1921.

He was orphaned as a young boy, and moved to Auburn, in the early 1930’s, with his older brother, Ernest, graduating from Edward Little High School in 1939. As soon as possible, he joined the U.S. Navy during World War II, where he served from 1942 – 1946; and was a member of the U.S. Naval Reserve for 20 years.

He worked for Central Maine Power Co. for 29 years, and was an active member of United Baptist Church in Lewiston for over 45 years, and served as a deacon for many of them. He also worked part-time at Odd Fellows’ Home in Auburn for several years.

It was at United Baptist where his love and talent for cooking became widely known. His famous oatmeal-buttermilk pancakes became the official pancake of the annual church pancake breakfasts, and his oatmeal bread rolls and cider donuts were highly popular at church events and bake sales.

He is widely remembered for his quick wit and love of nature, camping, and swimming in the ocean. He held offices in several square dance organizations, and it was through his pleasure in square dancing that he met his wife, Betty, who survives him.

Rain or shine, he could be found taking his cat, Dopey, for her daily walk. Among his most cherished memories are time spent with his grandchildren, and teaching his children to bake Swedish Cardamom bread. He will be missed by many, and remembered by all for his willingness to help others at all times.

In addition to his wife, Mr. Lugner is survived by his three sons, Peter of Winthrop, Michael of Mechanic Falls, and Gil Steward of Auburn; two daughters, Susan Tyler of Brunswick and Cheryl Landry of South Paris; eight grandchildren, Daniel Tyler, Andrew Tyler, Travis J. Steward, Pamela Borland, Amy Borland, Kasey Lugner, Kristopher Lugner, and Nicholas Lugner; and four neices and nephews, Linda Percy and Ruth Peterson of Boston, Anne Talbott of Sacramento, and Edgar Proctor of Auburn.

He was predeceased by the late Muriel McDonald of Poland; his beloved cat, Dopey; he was previously married to the late Erla Horne Lugner; and had another son, David Nils, who died in childhood; he was the brother of the late Anna Robinson, Amanda Lugner of Boston, Mass., and Helen Rogers of Sacramento, Calif.; and the late Ernest Lugner of Auburn.


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