The Rev. Oscar J. Lukefahr, CM, entered into eternal life Monday, Aug. 10, 2015, at Apostle of Charity Residence, Perryville, Missouri. He was 76 years old.
Father Lukefahr was born July 20, 1939, in Perryville to Marie Huber Lukefahr and Simon Lukefahr.
He attended elementary school at St. Vincent's in Perryville and secondary school at St. Vincent's College in Cape Girardeau. Father Lukefahr entered the Internal Seminary in 1957 and professed vows in the congregation May 31, 1962. He progressed through the educational system at St. Mary's Seminary through May 1964. The theology program shifted to DeAndreis Seminary in Lemont, Illinois, in the fall of 1964, and he completed his theology studies and was ordained a priest May 28, 1966. Father Lukefahr also earned master's degrees in Latin from DePaul University in 1968 and counseling from Southeast Missouri State University in 1972.
Father Lukefahr began his priestly ministerial life as a high-school teacher at St. Vincent's College from 1966 to 1969, then at St. Vincent de Paul Seminary in Beaumont, Texas, from 1969 to 1972.
Next his ministerial life shifted, and he began 19 years in parish ministry as an associate at St. Vincent de Paul in Cape Girardeau from 1972 to 1978 and again from 1982 to 1984. He served as pastor at Most Precious Blood in Denver from 1978 to 1982 and at St. Denis in Benton, Missouri, from 1984 to 1991.
In 1991, Oscar became the director of Catholic Home Study Service based in Perryville. This ministry involved him in the lives of many thousands of people who desired to learn more about the Catholic faith. He served as the director of the service until his death. He served also as the spiritual director of the Association of the Miraculous Medal for the last three years.
One of his greatest accomplishments was the writing of eight books, published by Liguori, on the Catholic faith. These books are found all over the country and are used by Catholics to enhance their faith and understanding of the Church.
He was always enthusiastic about good health and exercise. In his younger years, he ran multiple marathons. He always enjoyed the outdoors, and particularly loved to spend time in the mountain states hiking and fishing.
Fr. Lukefahr was a devoted son of the Church and of the community. He loved to share the faith during parish missions and always had a humorous anecdote to share.
He will be missed by many friends whom he impacted deeply, and by his confreres, with whom he shared his life the last 58 years.
He is survived by two sisters, Sister Joann Lukefahr, DC, and Mary Lukefahr; a sister-in-law, Barbara Lukefahr; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Simon "Joe" Lukefahr Jr.
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