Evelyn Lukavsky

Evelyn Lukavsky, age 76, of Washington, Iowa passed away Thursday, November 19, 2015 at the Washington County Hospital surrounded by her loved ones. Celebration of life services will be held 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 24, 2015 at the Jones & Eden Funeral Home in Washington with Mike Zahs officiating. Calling hours will be held from 1:00 until 7:00 p.m. Monday, November 23, 2015 at Jones & Eden Funeral Home where the family will receive friends from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Tuesday. Memorials have been established for Washington County Relay for Life, Hospice of Washington County and Washington County Historical Society. Online condolences may be sent for Evelyn’s family through the web at www.jonesfh.com. Evelyn’s family was the light of her life, particularly her grandchildren. As a devoted “Grandma” she loved attending their events, including cheer, softball, theater, baseball, hockey and bowling. Taking her grandchildren to the Washington County Fair was another of her favorite activities. Evelyn was born April 3, 1939 in Keota, Iowa, the daughter of Nicholas and Olive (Underwood) Linnenkamp. She attended country school in Havre and graduated from Crawfordsville High School in 1957. Evelyn was united in marriage to Franklin “Frank” Lukavsky on June 20, 1959, at the St. James Catholic Church in Washington, Iowa. Evelyn was a lifelong resident of Washington County and a member of St. James Catholic Church in Washington. Evelyn was employed as a cosmetologist for 57 years. She owned and operated Evelyn’s Beauty Shop in Washington since 1965. She was also a hairdresser for Jones & Eden Funeral Home for 38 years. She was extremely passionate about serving her community and helping others. Evelyn was a Board Member for the Washington County Chapter of the American Cancer Society from 1992- 2004. She served as a committee member for the Washington County Relay for Life from its origin in 2001 and faithfully served through this year. She co-sponsored the Washington County Cancer Support Group from 2000- 2007 and served as the Look Good-Feel Better volunteer since 1990. Evelyn has also been committed to the American Red Cross since 1960 in numerous capacities. She was a First Aid Instructor, International Tracing Trained Volunteer, Board Secretary, Office Manager and Chairman of Disaster Services and Armed Forces Emergency Services. She was awarded Chapter Manager of the Year in 2003 and State of Iowa Volunteer of the Year in 2004. Evelyn was active in Community Chest as a board member and volunteer. She served as a board member for the Washington County Historical Society from 1990-2005. She was active with the Washington Community Theatre, providing assistance with hair, makeup and styling wigs from 1988 until recently. Evelyn was also a board member and swim team assistant coach in the 60’s and 70’s for the YWCA/YMCA. She received the Washington Chamber of Commerce Community Service Award in 2007. Through her devoted community service, she impacted the lives of thousands of people. She is survived by her husband, Frank Lukavsky of Washington, IA; daughter, Theresa Finch and husband Kenneth of Ankeny, IA; daughter, Carole Martins and significant other Curt Pacha of rural Brighton, IA; four grandchildren: Kelsey Martins and significant other Matt Lins of Washington, IA; Katelyn Martins of Columbia, MO; David Finch of West Hollywood, CA; and Christopher Finch of Nashville, TN; sister, Elaine Todd and husband Robert of Washington, IA; sisters-in-law: Joan Palmer and husband Tom Sr. of Washington, IA; and Mary Mitchell of Wayland, IA; and numerous nieces and nephews, Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents; an infant son, Franklin Jr.; son-in-law, Craig Martins; two sisters-in-law,; one brother-in-law and one niece. Evelyn demonstrated an unfailing faith in God and a will to live. Her compassionate soul will be forever embedded in the hearts of those whose lives she touched.

Evelyn Lukavsky

April 3, 1939 - November 19, 2015