Elsie M. Lukes, 91

Elsie M. Lukes, age 91, of New Prague, died peacefully surrounded by her family at Mala Strana Rehabilitation Center on Tuesday, October 2, 2018.  Elsie was born on April 3, 1927 in Lexington Township, Le Sueur County to Albert and Emma (Dvoracek) Holey.  She was raised in the Le Center area and attended a country school in Lexington Township.  She married Leonard R. Lukes on November 21, 1950 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in North Mankato. The couple started their life together in Mankato, where Elsie worked at Brett’s Department Store.  They moved to St. Peter for a few years before settling in New Prague, where they started their business, Lukes Auto Parts and later added Lukes Sod Company.  Elsie served as the bookkeeper for both of these businesses.  During her time in New Prague, Elsie also worked at the Star Café and Bill’s Drive-In and in the kitchen at New Prague Schools.  The couple moved to Montgomery in 1994 after retirement and resided there until Leonard’s death in 2006, when Elsie moved back to New Prague.

Elsie enjoyed sewing and crocheting and was an avid gardener.  Her green thumb always produced beautiful flowers.  Her attention to detail made her a meticulous housekeeper and fabulous cook.  She enjoyed old time music and could be heard singing along in Czech.  Elsie’s favorite activity, however, was anything that gave her time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Elsie is survived by her sons, Richard of Champlin, Robert (& Brenda) of New Prague, Ronald (& Linda) of Montgomery; sister, Delores Holey of Le Center; brother, Edwin Holey of Le Center.  She is preceded in death by her husband, Leonard on February 19, 2006; daughter, Mary in infancy; grandson, Bradley; parents; sister in infancy.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Elsie Friday, October 5, 2018, at 11:00 AM with the eulogy at 10:45 at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church. Visitation will take place Friday morning from 8:00 – 10:30 at Bruzek Funeral Home.  Burial will occur at St. John’s Catholic Cemetery in Montgomery followed by lunch at the KC Hall in New Prague. bruzekfuneralhome.com