Elisabeth 'Liz' Lukefahr

ELISABETH "LIZ" LUKEFAHR

Newton

Elisabeth "Liz" Lukefahr, 76, passed away peacefully Saturday, Feb. 20, 2016. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 25, at Congregational United Church of Christ in Newton.

Elisabeth Mary Fischer was born Dec. 11, 1939, to Richard and Gladys (Benkart) Fischer in Des Moines, Iowa. She was educated in the Des Moines Public Schools and graduated high school from Roosevelt. She attended two years of college in Columbia, Mo., where she met James "Jim" Lukefahr. They quickly eloped in Moberly, Mo., on June 4, 1962. With their union came three sons, James, Gregory and Douglas. They lived in Harlan for nine years as a family until they moved to Newton in 1971 where they made their forever home.

Liz worked most of her life, until her retirement, as an instructor/teacher of swimming and gymnastics for the YMCA. She had many interests including playing bridge with friends, working out, traveling, swimming, attending sporting events of her grandchildren, indoor potting and plants, a soap opera enthusiast, and movie comedies. She especially loved spending time with her family and friends. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandma and sister.

Liz will be missed by her husband of 53 years, James "Jim" Lukefahr; children, James (Lori), Greg (Mary) and Doug (Julie) Lukefahr; grandchildren, Katie, Brock, Jace, Seth and Jayden; brother, Rod (Carmen) Fischer of Cameron Park, Calif.; along with many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a toddler brother, Billy Fischer; and brother, Dick (Nancy) Fischer.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Congregational United Church of Christ in Newton.

The family would like to express their gratitude toward the Hobbs family for their comfort and support during this time and Georgeine at Cut Loose, Liz's hair stylist and friend, for her many conversations spent with Liz every Thursday.