Luke E. McKenna

Luke E. McKenna

October 24, 1976 – February 18, 2023

Beloved father, son, brother, partner, and friend. Preceded in death by father, Edward McKenna; maternal grandmother, Patricia Anthone; paternal grandparents, Edward and Mary McKenna. Survived by his children: Tiffany Rizzo, Eliana McKenna, Graysen McKenna, Calla Lily McKenna; significant other, Shee Covarrubias; mother, Mary Jo McKenna; siblings: Sean and Desiree McKenna, Jeanne Batchelder, Matthew, and Yalitza McKenna; other relatives, and many friends.

VISITATION: Sunday, February 26th, from 5pm-7pm at the West Center Chapel.

Family Graveside Service: Monday, Feb. 27th at 9am at Omaha National Cemetery.  MEMORIAL SERVICE: Monday, February 27th, 11am, West Center Chapel, followed by a luncheon at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested for the education of the McKenna children.


Luke McKenna was born October 24, 1976, in Omaha, NE, to Ed and Mary Jo McKenna. He was the third of four children in the family. He grew up in Omaha with his brothers Matt and Sean, and his sister Jeanne. In 2006 he married Gina Hansen, and they had two children, Eliana and Graysen. Despite eventually divorcing, they remained friends and loved their daughters immensely.

After high school, Luke joined the United States Navy, and this gave him the opportunity to not only serve his country, but he was also able to travel and see many parts of the world.
He made several friends during his service whom he had contact with even after he left the Navy. He was very proud of his time in service and would speak about things he did and saw while he was serving.

When he left the Navy, he moved back home to Omaha. He went to work with his childhood friend Chad working in construction. He was a hard worker, ensuring he was always busy and able to care for his family. Family was so incredibly important to Luke. He was there for anyone in the family that needed him, whenever they needed him. He was truly selfless in the way he cared for those he loved.

In his late 30s, Luke reconnected with an old girlfriend and rekindled their relationship. While there was never a plan to have any more children, in May of 2017, they were blessed with what would be their last child, Calla Lily. She brought a new spark to Luke’s life that he didn’t know he needed.

Luke never met a stranger. He could and often did talk to pretty much anyone he was around. If you knew Luke, you knew he was the quintessential jokester. He had an incredibly infectious laugh that, even in your worst moments, could make you smile and laugh right along with him. Music of all kinds was something that was almost in his blood. He would always share with those he loved new music that he found that struck a chord with him.

The relationship he had with his daughters was one to be admired. His intense love for all his girls was something that you could see in each and every interaction he had with them. His children all have little bits of him in them, from their sense of humor to their kindness and loving nature. He will be missed by everyone whose life he touched.

In fashion true to him, Luke fought stage 4 colon cancer with every bit of his might. Sadly he succumbed to the disease on February 18, 2023. He was surrounded by his family and children, just as he had wanted.

12 Comments

  • Laura Fisher Posted February 22, 2023 4:34 pm

    Luke will be so very missed. I think I’ll even cheer for the Bills when they’re not playing the Chiefs. Luke is still here through his daughters…they have his smile. What a great dad they have. My condolences to all Luke’s friends and family. I had the privilege of getting to know him the past couple of years through Shee, Jackson, and Calla and I’m so glad that I did. He leaves behind lots of love!

  • Joe and Sherry cascio Posted February 22, 2023 8:17 pm

    Our hearts are broken! We are praying for each and everyone of you❤️❤️🙏🙏

  • Kate Riley Posted February 22, 2023 9:51 pm

    Though I never actually met him I felt as if I knew Luke very well. Through my friendship with his sister Jeanne I heard tales of his humor and his dedication to his children. He was a wonderful father to the absolute end, from holding hands at his bedside with his 5 yo daughter to his orchestration of his older daughters new life without him. He was a beautiful man who loved and was loved dearly. Blessings of comfort and hopes for life that celebrates him daily are wished for those who survive him.

  • Jeanne Batchelder Posted February 23, 2023 1:11 am

    It was a true honor to be by your side dear Brother I will cherish all the memories we made. Fly high and save me a spot in Heaven! Your Big Sis!💙💔

  • Shan D. Posted February 23, 2023 7:56 am

    Although I did not know Luke, I am a co-worker/friend of Shee’s and I know how hard it was for her to see Luke battle through cancer. I want to express my condolences to the entire family. God Bless!

  • Mary Jo Malm ♥ Posted February 23, 2023 3:17 pm

    I had the joy of teaching Luke in second grade and enjoyed him so much,one of my favorites. He will be missed.

  • Jessica Preiner DeJaynes Posted February 26, 2023 9:12 am

    I knew Luke in Middle School and again in High School. I remember his humor and kindness. I just wanted to give my condolences to his family and friends! I hope he is at peace now and his family find the strength to move forward through this time of grief.

  • Katie Cascio Posted February 27, 2023 11:01 am

    Words cannot express the sadness of the loss of this man. An amazing father. Dedicated friend. And true hero. I was blessed to have loved him just by knowing him. My heart is broken for his family and children. I know he is at peace with family that has left before him. Sending his family my most deepest condolences.

  • Kathy Posted February 27, 2023 11:26 am

    I met Luke through his ex wife Gina. He was a gentle soul that had a heart of gold. He loved his daughters so very much as they were his pride and joy. My condolences to Shea, Eliana, Gracie and the entire McKenna family. May God give you all strength during this difficult time. RIP my dear friend

  • joerocket Posted March 5, 2023 10:55 pm

    He will be remembered, and from a friend from the USS ANTIETAM, always. We talked, laughed, and unknowingly at those seconds then, but did, as i remember now, passed growling complaints about doubleworking a task completed we both didnt see undone. But both of us do far different tasks as we’re not same rate. The Navy, was, quite an experience for two people to meet with proud seriousness and importance. Us all will find what we need even through this all, why we make better ones off foot, why we had those memories.

  • Pam Thornton Posted August 7, 2023 8:20 pm

    It is August of 2023 and I just found out about Luke. I am Shee’s Aunt so I got to know Luke pretty good and he was a great man with a beautiful soul. He was a great Father and Partner to my Niece. I am very saddened by this news. My sincere condolences to his whole family. My heart is broken 💔 for my Niece and Calla Lilly and Jackson. Such a good, caring, loving man. He used to make me laugh with his silly jokes and hie had a great personality. You will be missed Luke Rest in Peace Luke
    Pam Thornton

  • Ella Vandagriff Posted December 5, 2023 3:05 pm

    Lukey poo, you will be dearly missed. Life will never be the same without you. Thank you for your service to our country. Graysen embodies you every day and I love seeing her shine just like you did, Rest in paradise 🙏

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