Anna Lukehart

Anna Josephine Lukehart, affectionately known as “Jo,” passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 31, 2025, and left behind a legacy of love, devotion, and quiet strength. She was born on November 17, 1927, in Ackley, Iowa, to Frank and Anna Kolbe.

Jo was a daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend whose life was shaped by her deep spirituality and unwavering faith. Through each joyous moment in her life and every challenge she faced, her beliefs remained her compass, guiding her with grace and resilience.

She was the devoted wife of Earl Lukehart and together they were blessed with five children: Jeffrey (June), Kathy Ordman (John), Earlene (deceased), Debra (Oscar Preis), and Teresa Kavan (Harold). Her 11 grandchildren, who lovingly called her grandma, grams, schmams, gramcracker, or Miney, are: Jennifer Petrusonis (Michael), Jamie Hobbs (Sam), Joeseph Ordman (Jennifer), Jeffrey Lukehart, Lindsay Pereyra (Kenny), Jaecy Garrison (Jake), Jeremy Lukehart (Madison), Jordan Lukehart, Luke Kavan, Teagan Kavan, Anna Preis. And her grandchildren made her a great grandmother 14 times.

The Kolbe extended family was enormous and spread out from coast to coast, yet many managed to make an annual pilgrimage to the family reunion in Iowa, an event beloved by Jo where she could be counted on to bring her special recipe potato salad. Her home was always open to family and friends alike, and was a hub of warmth, activity, and unconditional love.

Even with the large family Jo attended to, she found time to give back to her community in roles that supported others. She volunteered as a Cub Scout den mother and Girl Scout troop leader, coached her daughters' sports teams, and gave her time, treasure and talents to the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Jo had a curious mind and a voracious love of reading. Later in life, her Kindle became a constant companion, and few could keep up with her pace of devouring books. She enjoyed sewing, knitting, crocheting, and cooking and baking – all expressions of love. And she never came across a crossword or jigsaw puzzle she wasn’t willing to tackle.

The Hwkhevn personalized license plates on Jo’s car proudly declared that her blood ran black and gold as an Iowa Hawkeye fan. However, she made room in her heart for a splash of burnt orange when her granddaughter became a pitcher for the University of Texas Longhorns. Her passion for sports—especially softball—was well known, though she often admitted she couldn't bear the suspense of watching a live competition. She recorded and re-watched countless games, always cheering with the same enthusiasm no matter how many times she watched.

Jo was preceded in death by her beloved parents; husband, Earl; and all of her siblings—Dave, Frank, Ruie, Evelyn, Helen, Rosemarie, Tressa, Bernice, Stan, and Pauline—except her sister Shirley, who survives her.

Anna Josephine Lukehart’s presence in this life will be deeply missed. Her spirit remains woven into the hearts and lives she touched and the memories she helped create will be deeply cherished. In Jo’s honor, may we all find comfort in the love she had for us, hold fast to what grounds us in both the good times as well as the hard ones, and cheer a little louder for our team.

Please join Jo’s family and friends for a visitation Friday, June 13, 2025 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th Street and a celebration of life Saturday, June 14th at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions in honor of Jo may be made to the following organizations:
Above and Beyond Cancer (https://aboveandbeyondcancer.org/donate) or
ALS Association (als.org).


Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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