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Lyn Ann (Brodersen) Cochran

December 31, 1968 – January 12, 2021
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Lyn Ann (Brodersen) Cochran

Lyn Brodersen Cochran, of Davenport, Iowa passed into the afterlife on Tuesday, January 12, 2021. A private service will be held Saturday, January 23, 2021 at Weerts Funeral Home. A live stream will be held at www.facebook.com/WeertsFuneral/ at 10:30 AM. Memorials in Lyn’s name may be made to Scott Community College Foundation in Lyn’s name in support of her student enrichment projects at www.eicc.edu/sccfoundation or to WagNTrain Terrier Rescue in Omaha, NE at www.wagntrainterrierrescue.com.

Lyn was born December 31, 1968 to Ann (Norcott) and Hans V Brodersen, Jr. in Hawarden, Iowa. She graduated from North High School in Sioux City, IA. She received her B.A. in History, magna cum laude, from Coe College in Cedar Rapids, IA, May, 1991. Lyn received her M.A. degree from the University of Notre Dame in Modern European History, August, 1992. Her PhD in Education (Leadership and Policy Studies Emphasis) was granted from Iowa State University in 2008. She was a member of Phi Beta Kappa and Mortar Board. On March 17, 2017, she was united in marriage to Douglas Cochran in Newton, Iowa.

Lyn was a passionate professional who served community colleges and higher education for over 30 years. She served Western Iowa Tech Community College, Metropolitan Community College in Omaha, Central Lakes College in Brainerd, MN, University of Wisconsin-Richland, North Iowa Area Community College in Mason City, IA, Iowa State University Extension, and most recently as President of Scott Community College in Davenport, Iowa. She loved the college, the students, faculty and staff. Lyn was known for her innate skill to remember peoples’ names. Students felt honored and humbled to have the college president greet them by name and express kind words of encouragement. She was never too busy to spend quality time with students, lend an ear to a faculty member, or mentor a rising professional.

Friends would describe Lyn as a Renaissance woman with her many talents and widely varied interests. Lyn was equally comfortable presenting to business leaders, rolling up under a diesel engine, or rocking out in her Motörhead hoodie. She could quote you 16th Century European history one minute and discuss the inner workings of a V8 engine the next. One of her favorite spots on campus was in the Auto and Diesel labs or climbing up to check out the new semi-trucks. She believed deeply in the value of career and technical education and in the importance of creating a skilled workforce for the community. Her ease in striking up a conversation assisted in creating new partnerships, raising dollars for the college, and moving initiatives forward. Her genuine interest in people, learning, creativity made her an exceptional leader. Her most cherished awards and honor came from recognitions bestowed by her students, including her 2020 Paragon Award for New College Presidents from the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. When Lyn was busy working at the college or rocking out, she could often be found with her two Miniature Schnauzers Lulu and Olaf or helping to rescue other dogs.

Those left to honor Lyn’s memory are her husband Douglas; mother Ann Brodersen; aunts Mary (Dale) Bjorkman and Judy Brodersen; uncle Mark Norcott; cousins: Jenni Parkhill, Andrea Norcott, and Seth (Celeste) Norcott, Mark Brodersen, Brett (Beth) Brodersen, Ryan (Amy) Brodersen, Brock (Dawn) Brodersen, Jonah Brodersen, Anna (Matthew) Rice, and Meghan Brodersen; half-sister Rosann Swarte; and step children: Eric (Priscilla) Cochran, Ethan (Courtney) Cochran, and Charlie Cochran. She was preceded in death by her father Hans; grandparents Valentine and Anita Norcott; Uncle Rick Brodersen, and Kaiser, her beloved Schnauzer.

Lyn’s impact will stand long past her time at the college and on this earth. She quietly gave a gift of making all that encountered her to feel valued and each left better understanding their own worth. Her mentorship, leadership, and example will live on in those that were fortunate enough to have crossed her path.

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    Saturday, January 23, 2021

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Lyn Ann (Brodersen) Cochran

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Frederick Garber

February 25, 2021

May her memory be a blessing.

Jeffrey Fletcher

February 18, 2021

Dr. Brodersen gave me the courage to be a SERIOUS PhD candidate and then some for a good life 🧬

Marion Meginnis

February 5, 2021

I was saddened and shocked to learn this afternoon of Lyn's passing. We intersected through various events connected with the college and Davenport city business.

As a preservationist keenly interested in the rich heritage of our city, I always felt there was an ally nearby with Lyn's love and support. She will be missed by many, and I count myself as one of those people. My heartfelt condolences to her family.

Marion Meginnis
Davenport Third Ward Alderman

Dale Standard

January 27, 2021

Doug, we only met once through a mutual friend (Mike Quaintance) but that doesn’t stop me from offering my sympathies to you and the rest of your family. I am very sorry for your loss. I can’t imagine what you’re going through. I just know it has to be so very hard and I know all your closest friends and not so closest friends wish they had the words that would really comfort and strengthen you now and the foreseeable future. I don’t know if words ever really help that much but sometimes that’s all we have and at least we can try. God bless and keep you.

Catherine Thompkins

January 25, 2021

I was fortunate enough to have met, the Beautiful and Lovely, inside and out, Lyn, where she worked as the President of Scott Community College. Her Wonderful Spirit, was so warm, loving and inviting I will never forget her. She welcomed my Professor Daughter, so nicely to the staff, that I felt so comfortable, to go to many of the events, the college sponsored. I met her handsome husband, Doug, who was a great Support, to her. My heart is breaking for hm, as well as Lyn's other Loved ones, Friends, and Associates, who held Lyn, so Dear to their hearts. Our campus, will not be the same without her care, and exuberance, she poured out on all of us. I loved seeing Lyn, in her Cowboy Boots, and Hats. She was always, Beautifully Smiling, and that is what I will always remember, when I think of her. My Deepest Condolences to Lyn's Family, during this most difficult time of Bereavement. R .I. Paradise, Lovely Lyn.

Linda Johnson

January 24, 2021

I remember how beautiful Lyn’s sweet eyes were. How kind and full of compassion they were when she spoke to me. How they would light up when she smiled. She was always interested in what I had to say. We. Have lost a wonderful person but she will forever be in our hearts. Linda Johnson

Don Doucette

January 23, 2021

Lyn was a valuable and loved member of the Scott Community College and EICC family. She was kind and thoughtful, wicked smart and capable, both personable and dignified. What I will always remember most was how brightly she shined at Scott graduations. She was regal in her bearing in her academic regalia, confident and in absolute command of the stage and audience, and incredibly articulate in her remarks, as she was a gifted speaker. Graduations brought out the best of her talents, and even more showed her heart for her students and the depth of her commitment to community college students. Her joy in their success was palpable. She will be sorely missed by all.

Kevin Harvey

January 23, 2021

I remember when Doug first met Lyn. He came to work the next day glowing like the Sun. I knew he felt that she was super special just from how he talked about her. When I finally met Lyn, I was able to see why he was so taken by her. She said to me, "Finally, I get to meet Rockstar, the guy Doug is always talking about". Every time we would get together for dinner at their place, she greeted me with a huge smile and would say "Hello Rockstar, how have you been"? When I would go watch Doug play a show, she would say "Come over her and sit with us, Rockstar". I remember telling Doug to let me know if he ever needed me to play the drums for him. He decided to take me up on the offer, and after a few practices I asked Lyn how I was doing. I had never played country music before, but Lyn assured me that I was doing a fine job. After our first show, that went off without a hitch, Lyn said I did a great. She did mention that I played a little faster than others would have played, but that I had nothing to worry about. When it came time to divide the money, I only took half of what was allotted to me and gave the rest back to her. I told her I am here to help Doug because he is my friend, not to make money. She looked at me, sincerity in her eyes, and said, "You're a good guy, Rockstar." I will never forget how she made me feel welcome and loved. She was always happy to see me, and it humbled me. She made it feel like we had been friends all of our lives. That is one thing that I will miss the most. Any time we parted ways, she always made sure to tell me she loved me. It was like we were family.

From the day we met, and until the day we meet again, I love you and miss you dearly, Lyn. Fly high my friend.

Kevin AKA "Rockstar"

Karla Uhlir

January 23, 2021

Never short on ambition, Lyn sought achievement. Her personal excellence shone brightly along her path.
A capable striver, forever loyal to her roots...she prevailed.

Lucky passage, Lyn.
Thanks for sharing your determined enthusiasm, jubilant laugh, and sharp mind.

Karla Ann Uhlir - childhood friend and life path comrade

Glennda Bivens

January 23, 2021

Lyn was my friend, mentor, and dissertation co-chair. She taught me what it means to stand in my truth and that I am enough. I am forever indebted to her for the impact she had on my life. I am sending so much love to her husband, mother, and family. See you on the other side.

FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY