Lynn Barrett DeHaan

Lynn Barrett DeHaan was born September 28, 1942, in Van Nuys, California. He was the oldest child of Helen Barrett and Benjamin DeHaan. Being a military brat to a career Air Force officer and jet pilot, he spent most of his childhood in many states including California, New York, Arizona, Texas, Washington, Kansas, Louisiana, Florida, Minnesota, and Maine. After graduating from high school in Laverne, Minnesota, and a semester in college in Maine, he joined the Air Force in 1961 and trained as a radar technician. His first permanent assignment took him to eastern North Dakota to a radar site just outside of Finley where he met his first wife.

Lynn met Sandra Rockneberg when her friend set them up on a blind date at a bowling alley in 1962. They married on June 22, 1963 in Mayville, North Dakota. The newlyweds soon relocated to Wadena, Minnesota where their first child, Michael was born on July 12, 1964. After a brief stint as a civilian, Lynn joined the Coast Guard in 1965 and they moved to Hollywood, Florida. Their second child, Darrin, was born on March 15, 1966. While living in Florida, Lynn became a private pilot and flying became his favorite pastime. Over the next few years, the family lived in Minnesota, Guam, Alabama, Florida, New York, and Tennessee. Lynn flew search and rescue, transport, and reconnaissance missions in helicopters as well as fixed wing aircraft in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s.

In 1975, Lynn and Sandy divorced and each began new families. Lynn married Sandra Campbell, whom he called “San,” in 1976 and happily took on the role of father to her son, Keven. After leaving base in Tennessee, they lived in Georgia, Minnesota, Virginia, North Dakota, and Missouri. In the late 1970’s, Lynn was promoted to Warrant Officer and began training in and gained expertise in LORAN transmitters. This promotion saw him having to take a one-year deployment in Hokkaido, Japan where a new tower was constructed. In 1982 he commanded a small LORAN base just outside of Baudette, Minnesota. With knowledge gained, and favor from some high brass in the Coast Guard, Lynn was commissioned as a Lieutenant and transferred to USCG Headquarters in Washington D.C. Upon retirement in 1987, Lynn enrolled at the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in 1990. Lynn and San divorced in 1993.

Lynn moved to Belle Fourche, South Dakota soon after his divorce and started a business building ultralight aircraft. He built and flew several airplanes during this time with his favorite being an Aircoupe Alon which was a 2-seater that he loved to fly. He also loved motorcycles and owned several over the years and enjoyed living close to Sturgis where he attended several rallies.

Lynn and first wife Sandy reunited in 1998 and they relocated to San Antonio, Texas. He became step-father to Terri, Karin, and Amanda Lombardo from Sandy’s previous marriage. They enjoyed being retired and being close to grandkids. Lynn was active in the Texas Civil Air Patrol until 2012 and enjoyed being able to work with young people interested in flight. He also went on several search and rescue missions during this time. They were remarried and together until her death in 2014.

Lynn is survived by:Children and their families:Michael and Kristi DeHaan, who reside in San Antonio, TexasDarrin and Cassy DeHaan, who reside in Kansas City, MissouriKeven and Lily DeHaan, who reside in Birmingham, AlabamaTerri and Justin Springer, who reside in Colorado Springs, ColoradoKarin Lombardo who resides in Springfield, MissouriAmanda Lombardo who resides in San Antonio, Texas

Siblings:Steve DeHaan, who resides in Grand Forks, North DakotaRichard DeHaan who resides in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota

In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to Disabled Outdoorsmen USA, www.disabledoutdoorsmenusa.com.

VISITATIONTUESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 202212:30 PMPORTER LORING MORTUARY NORTH

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