Lynn Anne Lavender

Lynn (Kosec/Sherwood) Lavender, 69, of Altoona, Iowa, passed away on Sunday, June 28, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer. Funeral services will be held at 12:00 pm on Friday, July 10, at McLaren's Resthaven Chapel, Mortuary & Resthaven Cemetery, with visitation prior to service at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to AHeinz57 Pet Rescue and Transport in De Soto, Iowa.

Lynn was born on July 16, 1956, in Red Wing, Minnesota, to James and Barbara Kosec. She was a fun-loving, caring woman who was loved by so many. Throughout her career, she worked for the Medicare Part B program at Wellmark, Noridian (Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota), and DMOS Orthopedic Center.

Lynn shared many special bonds with friends and family, but the one she treasured most was with her twin sister, Laurie (Kosec) Cowell. She was an independent woman and always up for an adventure. Lynn embraced life with curiosity, confidence, and a wonderful sense of humor. She loved her dogs throughout her life, enjoyed going out to lunch with friends and family, and proudly embraced her role as the "not-so-serious" twin. She never missed an opportunity to remind Laurie that she was the "older" twin by exactly one minute, a joke that never grew old to her. Lynn also coined the phrase "twin-talks" to describe the special conversations and unique connection she and Laurie shared. She always knew how to crack a joke and make people laugh, even in the most serious situations. Her warmth, wit, and adventurous spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

She is survived by her siblings, Nancy (Howard) Evans, Laurie (John) Cowell, and Mike (Judy) Kosec; her nieces, Samantha (Josh) Gerena, Sarah (Jason) Flynn, Jasmine Barker, and Andrea (James) Weikert; her nephews, Daniel Barker, Nathan Evans, and Tyler (Ami) Kosec; many great-nieces and great-nephews; countless friends; and her former husband, Dave Lavender.