Elizabeth Paukovich

Elizabeth Joyce (Steinke) Paukovich, 93, known as Betty Jo or simply Jo, passed away in Denver Colorado on Saturday, April 9, 2022. She was the wife of the late William George Paukovich with whom she shared 69 years of marriage. Born in Wichita, Kansas, she was the daughter of the late Arthur Steinke and Loretta (Steichen) Steinke. After moving many times due to her father’s job, her family settled in Denver in 1947.  She married Bill on October 15, 1949. They were the first couple to be married at Christ the King Catholic Church in Denver and were very active in the parish. Most recently, she was a parishioner at Notre Dame Catholic Church.

Jo was an avid bowler, bowling mixed doubles at the Denver Athletic Club and later became a dedicated tennis player. She played on the inter-club teams at the Crestmoor Community Association and Pinehurst Country Club. She won numerous trophies in both singles and doubles and played well into her 80’s.

She is survived by her daughter Susan Joseph (Russell) of Rancho Santa Margarita, California, and sons Greg Paukovich (Judy) of Centennial and Jon Paukovich (Lisa) of Colorado Springs; grandchildren Sara Joseph Gibson (Kip), Jessica Joseph, Geoff Paukovich, Katharine (Kate) Paukovich, Natasia Paukovich, Marisa Paukovich and Jon Alex Paukovich; great-granddaughter Ronin Harper Gibson whom she was able to meet in March of this year.  She was preceded in death by her brother Allan Steinke (Marge). She is survived by her sister Karen (Steinke) Byrne (Richard) and many nieces and nephews.

Rosary will be Tuesday, April 26th at 10:00 am, followed by the funeral Mass at 11:00 am at Notre Dame Catholic Church, 2190 S. Sheridan Blvd, Denver CO 80219.

Reception immediately following the funeral at Horan and McConaty at 3101 South Wadsworth Blvd, Lakewood CO.

Interment and committal in Ft. Logan National Cemetery at 2:00 pm, Shelter A.

Memorial donations may be made to The Bridge Community, 3101 West Hillside Place, Denver, CO 80219, attn: Sister Mary Catherine.