Lynn and I did not use the term sister-in-law.We were sisters!

I first met Marilyn (later called Lynn) on a beautiful spring day at the Zeta Tau Alpha house on the campus of Purdue University.Her brother, Ron, and I were close to an engagement.This was my first meeting of his family.As Ed, Janice and Marilyn arrived, Ron took their coats.I complimented Marilyn (8 years old) on her pretty coat.She replied quickly, hands on her hips and face tilted, “It should be pretty!It cost more than my mom’s!”I have never known another time when Janice Zuehlke was speechless!

Ron and I married in Greenfield, Indiana on June 16, 1956.Ed Zuehlke was hospitalized after suffering a series of heart attacks and unable to attend.He insisted the wedding not be postponed!Lynn and my cousin, Nancy, lighted candles for the ceremony.

In 1960, Lynn and her family moved to Cleveland, Ohio.Ed now had a corporate level position with Republic Steel at their home offices.Lynn was not thrilled with the move and her enrollment at Rocky River, Ohio High School.

In October, 1962, Ron, Ricky (almost 4), Sue (3) and I were transferred by Ron’s company, International Telephone and Telegraph to Palo Alto, California.This was “hippie” time in the San Francisco area and a most unsettling time in our nation.Lynn came to California to visit us for six weeks that summer.We had a wonderful time.She wanted to learn how to cook.Her mom was not a good cook and didn’t encourage Lynn to learn those skills.She was an excellent student!Our next door neighbor also had a summer visitor—a niece from the Netherlands.Shopping became an enjoyable activity for the girls!

We accepted a company transfer back to Chicago with pleasure and moved on October 31, 1963.In just a few weeks, President Kennedy lost his life.In March, 1964, our son Bruce arrived!Lynn wanted to be the “fun” aunt, but distance didn’t allow that to happen.

Years of college, marriage, new home, the wonderful welcome of Jeff to the family…Ed’s death, Janice’s death, a move to Michigan…life was challenging for Lynn.The constant happiness was Jeff!!!Pure delight!

Ron and I had been transferred to Greenwood, South Carolina in June, 1981.

Rick had graduated from Central Michigan University and married Theresa Lauer September 5, 1981. Their son, Michael, was born October 12, 1983.Lynn was chosen to be Mike’s godmother! She accepted with pleasure!

Les, Lynn and Jeff came to Greenwood in November, 1987 for her nephew’s(Bruce) wedding to Donna Brock.

Rick’s wife, Theresa, sadly died of a brain tumor April 20, 2004.Lynn and Jeff came to Mt. Pleasant, MI to assist and grieve with us.

March 17, 1999 was a tragic day!Lynn’s brother, Ron, died suddenly while playing golf!Lynn came immediately to grieve with me.I will never forget her kindness for staying an extra week to comfort me.

Lynn’s own health issues were becoming challenging.No matter her personal issues, she found others who needed care and attention.

She leaves our family who treasured her laughter and joy and those to whom she gave compassion.

She was my sister!God bless her! And bless Jeff, Julie and their precious boys!

 

I have many memories of Aunt Lynn growing up. Even now when I think of her the first image I see is her big smile. It was genuine, when she smiled saying she was happy to see you, you could feel it. I remember being young when she had her purple convertible and I thought it was the most amazing thing that someone could have a car of any kind that was purple and even sparkled! I remember I got to ride in it when she came while we were on a family trip to Myrtle Beach. I believe I was around ten and someone had done Kristin and I’s makeup and we both felt so fancy. The Aunt Lynn offered to take up for a drive in her purple convertible with the top down around the beach! I felt like the coolest ten year old around. Instantly I knew I wanted to be a lot like my Aunt Lynn. Aunt Lynn was just an amazing person overall. She was kind, generous, hard working, and would do anything she could to help another out. Growing up I really did look up to Aunt Lynn and want to just like her.

Dear Jeff, 
I'm so sorry to hear that your Mother has passed away.  She had such a difficult time struggling with her illness.  But fortunately she was able to fulfill her greatest desire.  She told me she wanted to share the monumental events in your life...to attend your wedding and be here to see a grandchild. I am so glad to know she was able to fulfill those dreams.

Your friendship with Josh brought your Mom and I together.  We had an immediate connection and I always enjoyed being with her.  I admired her intensive drive and her abundance of creativity and energy.  She took pity on me as a struggling Cub Scout Den Mother, and she came to my aid. Together we struggled to manage the mayhem of our unruly den of scouts. We brainstormed about how to keep you guys busy, without injuring each other during the meetings.  We planned projects that would keep you interested for the duration, often achieving our main goal which was to send you home without bandages. We spent a lot of time laughing together as we tried to make you guys act like reverent Cub Scouts. At this, we probably failed miserably. Speaking of misery, I wonder how many hours we spent sitting at Alpine Valley waiting for you guys to get off of the slopes so we could go home and get warm!

Lynn was so artistic and I admired her beautiful cross-stitch needlework and braided rugs. (one beautiful cross-stitch hangs in my house)  Her work was flawless. Your home was full of beautiful things, many made by her hands.  She shared her love of antiques and introduced me to the Fairgrounds Antique Market in Geauga County.  Twice a year we would leave early in the morning and shop until it ended in the late afternoon.  She showed me how to find unique items of quality and how to modify them for my home. I learned so much from her and we had so much fun doing it.  When you moved to Michigan I felt a real loss, and was so happy when you returned to Ohio.

I was so glad to have a good friend to share many conversations about our personal lives and our boys.  She told me about her struggle to have a child, the ultimate joy she and your Dad felt when you came into their life. You fulfilled their dreams of becoming a family and you were always the center of their universe.  Her love for you was great and became her purpose in life. So in many ways, her dreams came true. That must have given her a sense of peace.  I'm sure it was a comfort for her to have her beloved son with her as she left this world.  Bless you for being there.

I will remember her with love and am grateful to have had her as a friend.  Blessings to you and your family, especially at this time.  

Jennifer Sixt