Manda Lukenda, 85 of Rochester, passed away following a short illness on Sunday, June 22, 2025 at Mayo Clinic Hospital, St. Marys Campus.

Manda was born on August 31, 1939 in Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Prior to coming to the United States, she lived in Croatia and Germany before making Rochester, Minnesota, USA her final home in 1998.

She is preceded in death by her husband of over 62 years, Ivo Lukenda. Together, they raised 5 children. Manda was a frequent parishioner of St. Pius X Catholic Church in Rochester. Her faith was very important to her. She enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. Manda enjoyed quality family time, travel, birthday celebrations, especially her birthday which was a big event for her. She prepared well in advance and was making plans for her upcoming birthday celebration in August.

With profound sadness but immense gratitude for the love she gave, we remember a truly remarkable woman whose heart knew no bounds.

She was the embodiment of kindness—always nurturing, always giving. Her hands created comfort, whether kneading dough for homemade bread, knitting, planting flowers that danced in the breeze, or holding her grandchildren close. Her garden was a reflection of her spirit: vibrant, tender, and full of life. Every bloom told a story, every meal a quiet act of love.

Nothing meant more to her than her family, and she found her greatest joy in being a grandmother. Her eyes lit up whenever her grandchildren were near, and her deepest wish was simply to share as many moments with them as life would allow.

Her compassion touched all who crossed her path. She gave without hesitation, listened without judgment, and loved without condition.

Though she is no longer with us, her legacy lives on—in every flower that opens to the sun, every family gathering filled with laughter, and every soul made softer by her grace.

She will be dearly missed and forever celebrated.

Her four surviving children are Mara (Dave Hansen) Lukenda, Ivanka (Nate) Davis, Rose (Andel) Crepulja, Marinko (Larra) Lukenda, her sisters Ana (Anto) Najdek, Janja (Slavko) Juric, and her brother Marko (Mara) Lopar of Croatia, grandchildren Luka and Ivan Crepulja, Christian Davis, Oliver Lukenda and many extended family members and friends around the world.

She is preceded in death by her parents, a brother Mato, and a son Ilija.

The visitation for Manda will be held on Thursday, June 26, 2025 from 12:00pm until 1:00pm in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home. Burial will immediately follow the visitation, at Oakwood Cemetery, downtown Rochester, MN. A reception will be held following the burial at Charlie's Eatery in Rochester. All are welcome.

Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com