Lucas Jeff Niffenegger

Lucas Jeff Niffenegger went to meet his savior, Jesus Christ on April 10, 2023. He died of complications of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy at his home in Urbandale surrounded by his parents.

Lucas was born in Des Moines, Iowa on July 1, 1996. He lived in West Des Moines and Urbandale. He filled his family's lives with great joy and laughter. He is survived by his parents, Jeff and Lynda Niffenegger; his sister, Lindsey (Mike) Frandsen; and his two favorite people on the planet - his nieces, Emerson Faith Frandsen and Sawyer Lou Frandsen who is his namesake. He is also survived by his grandmother, Barbara Bunch; his aunt, Jill (Tim) Scott; cousins, Jordan (Marisa), Parker, and Megan; and his aunt, Kim Niffenegger. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Robert and Sally Niffenegger; and his maternal grandfather, George Bunch; along with uncles, Keith and Dan Bunch.

Lucas attended school in West Des Moines and graduated from Valley High School in 2015. He was a member of Lutheran Church of Hope in West Des Moines and continued to volunteer there.

The fortunate are those who got to know Lucas. He had a wonderful love of nature. He loved the sea and was fortunate to experience a glass bottom kayak for a view of the Caribbean Sea. In 2006 he was granted a Make-A-Wish trip to Disney World where he stayed at the Animal Kingdom Lodge with giraffes and antelope outside his balcony. He played baseball on the White Sox team with Miracle League for several seasons. He cheered on many of his sister’s athletic teams as the two grew up.

Lucas had a great sense of humor and an ornery side. He loved knowing what his cat, Skitter, and his nieces were doing on a daily basis. He loved spring, and driving around in the sunshine. To know Lucas, is to know the best of humanity, accepting of his situation and a witness of incredible faith. He once said to a doctor before a surgery, “My God is bigger than a potato sea bass.” He had an unwavering faith, and frequently reminded us of the heart of Jesus.

Lucas’ family would like to thank the Urbandale Emergency Medical Services, Iowa Clinic Pulmonology, and Unity Point at Home for helping with his care. Memorials can be made to Miracle League of Iowa, Make-A-Wish or Lutheran Church of Hope.

Services will be livestreamed from the Lutheran Church of Hope website at Lucas Niffenegger Service

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