Lynn was born on June 23, 1927, in Northwood, Iowa, the son of Irvin and Thea Brown. He married his beloved Janice (Frese) Brown on June 17, 1951 in Waverly, Iowa.
Lynn proudly served in the U.S. Navy prior to attending Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa where he met his wife. Lynn excelled in academics and athletics at Wartburg and was named “male athlete of the year”.
Lynn began his teaching career in Iowa. He also coached many athletic teams including serving as an assistant coach on the 1951 Iowa girls basketball state championship team. Lynn received his PhD in Mathematics from the University of Iowa in 1969 and was a long-time Professor of Mathematics at Illinois State University where he passionately impacted the lives of many individuals.
Lynn was highly involved through the years as a member of St John’s Lutheran Church and lived his faith through his commitment to the church council, choir and many other activities. Lynn was a role model of a servant leader. In addition to the impact that he had as a teacher and coach he was humble, patient, caring and kind. He always had a smile on his face and he had the natural ability to bring out the best in people.
Lynn was a life-long Iowa Hawkeye and Chicago Cubs fan. He had an awe-inspiring memory for statistics and facts about his favorite teams.
As with his beloved wife, the greatest joy in Lynn’s life was being with his family. He lived each day with unconditional love for his family, his faith and his Lord.
Lynn was the loving father of four children, Rebecca (Richard) Gregory, Carmel, IN; Thomas (Cairy), Glen Ellyn, IL; Amy (Larry) Dahl, Fort Wayne, IN; and Heidi (James) Huntley, Westfield, IN; and is also survived by twelve grandchildren, Amanda (Chuck) Serfass; Emily Gregory; Eric (Lauren) Gregory; Caroline and Steven Brown; Christine, Dan and Catie Dahl; and Chris, Ben, Jon and Maggie Huntley; two great-grandchildren, Jolene and Gideon Serfass.
Lynn was preceded in death by his wife Janice, his parents and his sister Doris.
His service will be at 11:00 a.m. Friday, December 7, 2018 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 1617 E. Emerson St., Bloomington. Visitation will be from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Friday immediately preceding the service. Burial will be for immediate family only at East Lawn Memorial Gardens, Bloomington.
Memorials may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church or the charity of your choice.
DONATIONS
St. John's Lutheran Church
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18