Jean M. Lukecart

After years of giving death the middle finger too many times, Jean M. Lukecart, 71, passed away Saturday, April 23^rd at Lakeside Hospital in Omaha, NE. The cause could be one of several illnesses, but more than likely Jean decided the time seemed right to leave just as the cherry blossoms bloomed on a balmy spring day. After all, her determined and feisty nature would never allow death to win the game. 

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 7^th at Mohr & Becker-Hunt Funeral Home in South Sioux City, NE. A private family burial will take place at Calvary Cemetery in Sioux City, IA immediately following the services.  Online condolences may be made to www.meyerbroschapels.com.

Jean liked to remind her family she wasn’t born on a Friday, but luckily, the following day on January 13^th, 1951 in Sioux City, Iowa. Her parents, Elvira and Anthony Uhl, would have been proud of their courageous daughter who didn’t take crap from anyone. Jean took it upon herself to protect and watch over her two brothers and two sisters. The Heelan High graduate married John E. Lukecart of Sioux City, IA, later moving to Colorado. After her divorce, Jean headed back to Sioux City, and soon after, helped her ailing mother. She always gave so much of herself to others and never asked anything in return.

Jean, a single mother, left behind her son John and daughter Lisa. She passed on her legacy of cooking with grease, baking on the hottest summer days, and making the world’s best popcorn balls. Jean’s extensive vocabulary, duct-taping skills, and diligent attitude would remain a family trait. She believed an aspirin and a good night’s sleep cured almost anything so her kids rarely missed a day of school or work.  

During her healthy years, she worked at the Marina Inn as a maid. Her gardening talent showcased renowned displays of roses and petunias in the trailer court. She liked reading or watching mysteries, sipping black coffee on the porch with her dog, and causing trouble with her older sister Linda.

Jean loved nothing more than spending time with her family in her later years. She never missed out on a chance to sip a martini with her niece Dawn, drink a margarita with her younger sister Debbie, and quote Christmas movies with her younger brother Rick (Dave). She looked forward to celebrating birthdays together with her daughter-in-law, Linda. Jean spoiled her grandpups, Isabella and Ginger, with hugs and too many treats. Sometimes she did the same with her grandcat, Gizmo, only if he permitted it. As part of the Oceans 3 crew, Jean’s craftiness at the movie theater with her grandson Austin remains legendary. She couldn’t wait to have a drink with her granddaughter, Jessica, when she turned 21. She never took credit, but we all know who taught her son John those exceptional parenting skills. John never missed a chance to make her laugh on their picnic outings over fried chicken. Jean spent most Sundays with her daughter, Lisa, dishing the tea over fries, hot cocoa, or ice cream. And, oh my, Jean always shopped until she dropped, but always for others, even though she had very little money. She would do anything for her family- except hand over her remote, watermelon, or answer the phone during Dancing with the Stars. All of her family loved her dearly and will never forget her selflessness, her compassion, and her generosity.

Survivors include her children, John (Linda) Lukecart of Omaha, NE, and Lisa Lukecart of Omaha, NE; grandson Austin Lukecart of Omaha, NE, granddaughter Jessica Lukecart of Omaha, NE, grandpup Isabella (Izzy) of Omaha, NE, grandpup Ginger of Omaha, NE, grandcat Gizmo of Omaha, NE, niece Dawn (Alberto Ambard) Larson of Portland, OR, grandpup Lola of Portland, OR, brother Dave (Deanna) Uhl of New Braunfels, TX, and sister Debra (Jeff) Maxwell of Port St. Lucie, FL.

She was preceded in death by her parents Elvira and Anthony Uhl of Sioux City, IA, brother Anthony Uhl of Atlanta, GA, and Linda (John) Larson of South Sioux City, NE.

Family requests in lieu of flowers to take your mother, daughter, son, grandchildren, or dog out (cats probably wouldn’t enjoy it). Jean would want people to party it up with family instead. It is what she loved most of all.