Barb Lukavsky

Barbara Ann Lukavsky, age 75, of Washington, Iowa, passed away Wednesday, December 25, 2019 at the M.L. McCreedy Home. Mass of the Resurrection will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 4, 2020 at St. James Catholic Church with Fr. Bernie Weir officiating. Calling hours will begin at 3:00 p.m. Friday at St. James Church where the family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Friday evening. A prayer service will be held at 5:00 p.m. Friday evening. Interment will take place at the Elm Grove Cemetery in Washington. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established for the Washington County Fair Cattle Barn, St. James Church (Boiler Replacement) and the M.L. McCreedy Home. The Jones & Eden Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be sent for Barb’s family through the web at www.jonesfh.com Barb was born March 8, 1944 in Washington, Iowa, the daughter of Norbert and Geneva (Woerdeman) Besser. She attended St. Elizabeth School in Harper. Barb was united in marriage to Donald William Lukavsky on November 30, 1963 in Harper, Iowa. Barb worked as a bookkeeper for a telephone company in Des Moines and at Winga’s Café in Washington for a short time. She also worked for Stormers Craft Store, Hy-Vee Bakery for 4 years and the Washington County Hospital for 13 years. Barb was a member of St. James Catholic Church and the Walnut Women’s Club. She was a 4-H leader and a Sunday School teacher. Barb cherished time spent with her family, especially her grandchildren. She would often play games with them and attend their events. She also enjoyed visiting with friends as well as going to concert and events with them. Her flower garden was her most prized possession and she loved to fish. Barb always helped others out at their time of need and made sure there was a plate at her table for everyone. She is survived by her children: Mike Don Lukavsky and wife Julie of Huntersville, NC; Michele Dawn Vermillion of Pleasant Hill, IA; Melissa Deanne Swier of MO; Melanie Kristine Skelton of Pleasant Hill, IA; and Mark Dennis Lukavsky of Washington, IA; 12 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; sister, Christine Wacknov and husband David of Phoenix, AZ; brother, David Besser and wife Debbie of Atlantic Beach, NC; brother, Rick Besser and Dee Hanson of Harper, IA; and sister-in-law, Terry Besser of Kansas City, MO. Barb was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Donald William Lukavsky; and brother, John Besser. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Hospice of Washington County for their compassionate care.

Barb Lukavsky

March 8, 1944 - December 25, 2019