Isaiah Kimberly Lukens, M.D. passed away peacefully on the afternoon of January 8, 2013 in Phoenix, Arizona. Born in Omaha, NE on November 5, 1926 to Isaiah Lukens, M.D. and Alice Kimberly, he was proud to be fourth generation to pursue a degree in medicine. He was loved as a physician, a mentor, a teacher, a husband, a father, and a wonderful friend respected by his countless colleagues and peers. As a husband and father he will be remembered as one of the prominent practitioners of pediatrics, caring not only for his patients, but dedicating his time to those children less fortunate and in need of care. A graduate of The University of Nebraska, College of Medicine he continued to practice well into his sixties. He was part of a group of physicians who helped make Phoenix Children’s Hospital a reality, while caring for his patients at the Children’s Medical Center, St. Joseph’s Hospital and Good Samaritan Hospital. He was a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics, AMA, and the Maricopa County Medical Society. He was known for his kindness and patience, wonderful sense of humor, and his ability to tell a joke as well as a limerick. He enjoyed playing golf, trips to California with his family and rooting for the Nebraska football team. He was preceded in death by his son Isaiah Kimberly Lukens, Jr. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Josephine, his daughter Christina Lukens O’Dowd (Michael), Stephanie Ann Lukens, Louis Lukens and Laura Lukens. Private Services have been held for the family. Donations may be made in his name to the “Etched In Our Hearts” Campaign at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church at 4715 N. Central Ave., Phx., AZ 85012 or Phoenix Children’s Hospital (602-546-GIVE or on line at phoenixchildrens.com)
A special thank you to Dr. Luis Gonzalez and the staff at Banner Peoria Inpatient Unit for their excellent care, compassion and support, also to Huger Mercy Living Center in Phx., AZ.
Janice and Lena Clanton
So sorry to hear of Dr. Lukens’ passing. He was our pediatrician for many years and he was a wonderful, caring man. My brother is autistic and though Dr. Luken wasn’t familiar with the condition, he did his very best in taking care of him and my brother really liked Dr. Luken. There is a special place in Heaven for someone like him!
A. Bell
I would like to express my deepest condolences to your family. I hope you find comfort from God’s word the bible during this time of grief. For he is near to those broken at heart. Ps 34:17,18 Also, note Jesus’ words of comfort spoken to Martha, who had just lost her brother, at John 11:23-25, “Jesus said to her: “Your brother will rise. Martha said to him: “I know he will rise in the resurrection on the last day.”Jesus said to her: “I am the resurrection and the life. He that exercises faith in me, even though he dies, will come to life.”
Tom & Cheryl Hamman
Our sincere sympathies to the family of Dr. Lukens. Having known the family since high school and having been friends with Kim, it was only natural that Dr. Lukens became the pediatrician for our kids. He was absolutely the best! His warmth, kindness and humor were truly heaven sent and we so appreciated his TLC every time we saw him. Heaven has gained a wonderful new angel. Blessings to the family,
Sincerely,
Tom & Cheryl Hamman
Jack McManus
I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of Dr. Lukens. He was my pediatricain, and as I grew older and became close to Kim Jr., Dr. Lukens became a good friend. What a wonderful man – he was such a blessing to me and my family. I’m so sorry for your loss. What a joyous celebration there must be in God’s Kingdom as Dr. Lukens and Kim reunite. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. May the peace of God, that transcends all understanding, comfort you during these most difficult times.
Bob Frank
We loved Dr. Lukens. He was a VIP as far as our family was concerned; and he took care of us when we were kids as if we were his own family. We will never forget him. What a wonderful man.
Pete and Bridget (O'Dowd) Larkin
Who knew that Chris Lukens and Michael O’Dowd would meet “again” after St. Francis Xavier 8th grade graduation (1969), and that the O’Dowds and Lukens would become a family? How blessed were the O’Dowd-Larkin Family to be blessed by Josie and Kim Lukens! Thank you for the jokes, Arizona history, and words of wisdom so often shared and debated over the noise of conversation, good food, and family gatherings.