Marilyn “Lynn”
Laun Lindert, a durable Christmas gift in 1923, returned to her Lord December
22, 2017, from Sharon S. Richardson Hospice in Sheboygan Falls.
She said
farewell to her three beloved, loving, always supportive children, Stephen
Gardner Ray, Cynthia Ray Walker and Lisa Alison Laun. And also to Sharon Ray, Garret Walker and
Todd Mardon, and to delightful granddaughters Catherine Ray Rugg (Aaron), the
Rugg’s twin sons Edward and Phillip, and Elisabeth Ray Manning (Mitchell). And to those who knew her as “Gma Lynn”,
Sabrina, Vanessa and Elliot. And finally,
to Skyler, friend and premium dog walker.
How do
you say goodbye to children you acquired at age 79? The Lindert children were
as dear to her as her own -– Henry, Ann Hoffmann (Bob), Thomas and John. They accepted her with open hearts –- she
loved them for that, and for being the fine characters they are. And one more Lindert – dear Ironton, MN friend
Marlys.
Lindert
graduated from Stephens College, where she studied drama with Maude Adams, the
original Peter Pan. Continuing her
interest in horsemanship, she did exhibition sidesaddle riding during college
horse shows. Next stop was the University
of Iowa, where she joined Kappa Kappa Gamma and majored in Communications,
serving as feature editor of ‘The Daily Iowan’ in her senior year.
She
married her college sweetheart, Roger Ray, in 1948. First Stephen, then Cynthia joined the
family. After a divorce and marriage to
her beloved Arthur Laun, Jr., a third child arrived, miracle baby Lisa. God is good!
In 1983,
the Launs moved from Mequon to Cedar Grove.
She was the first female elected to serve on the Town of Holland Board,
and was a weekly volunteer at the Cedar Grove Library.
She was
active in her community. A member of
Lawyers Wives of Greater Milwaukee, she served in many capacities. While president of the group, the Books
Behind Bars program (for Wisconsin prisons) was instituted.
A volunteer
at St. John’s Home, active with the Auxiliary and Friends, she was honored in
1985 to receive the Key Woman of the Year award.
Six
years after Art Laun’s death, she married her dear “Dutch”, Dr. M.C.F. Lindert,
in Bethlehem Chapel at the National Cathedral.
He preceded her in death in 2010.
St.
Christopher’s Episcopal Church has been her church home for over 50 years. She served in many capacities – on the
vestry, as junior and senior wardens –- but her greatest delight was reserved
for editing the church newsletter, “The Occasional Episcopalian.” While living in Elkhart Lake, she also became
a member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Plymouth, where she served as a
social secretary writing thank-you notes to donors.
Washington
National Cathedral was high on her interest list. After serving many years as Wisconsin Area
Chair for the National Cathedral Association, she was invited to join the
National NCA board. In this capacity, she
traveled to DC for board meetings four times a year. At the Cathedral’s 107
th
birthday
weekend in September 2014, the Lynn Laun Lindert Sustained Achievement Award
was created to celebrate her exceptional service to the NCA and to the
Washington National Cathedral. At the
age of 91, she flew to DC to attend the formal blessing and be the first honoree
of the award.
At the
age of 90, in collaboration with illustrator and friend, Ted Mueller, she
published a children’s book, “ONCE WHITE, NOW BRIGHT – How the Birds Got Their
Colors.”
Family
times were favorite times, which she shared as often as possible on the
family’s Canadian island, The Rock.
Flowers inside and outside in raised beds were a second love, along with
watching wild birds at her feeders, spending time with her dog and enjoying the
everchanging moods of Lake Michigan. She
was a past member of the WI Unit of the Herb Society of America, an affiliate
of Town and County Garden Club, a member of the Elkhart Lake Study Club and an
avid bridge player.
A strong
believer in many things, her two most important words were “Please” and “Thank
you”. May you remember her by
remembering these.
A final
“Thank you” must be given to the Eugene Teunissen family, for their love,
kindness and continuing support over the years.
The same goes for dear friend Kathy Nock.
A Memorial
Service will be held at St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church in River Hills on Saturday,
December 30, 2017 at 11:00 A.M. Friends may gather at the CHURCH at the time of
services.
A Memorial
Gathering will also take place on Tuesday, January 2, 2017, at 11:00 A.M. at
the Cedar Landing Clubhouse in Elkhart Lake.
Friends may gather at the time of service, with a reception to follow.
In lieu
of flowers, please remember St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church, River Hills;
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Plymouth; Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice,
or the animal shelter of your choice.
The
Suchon Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Plymouth is assisting the family.
For online condolences, please visit www.suchonfh.com
Her
family thanks you for caring.
