Memories of Lynn Meilander from Phyllis Grandison Zuehlke (sister-in-law).
September 14, 2020
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 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!