Obituary of Jean Katherine Geddes Lynn
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Peoria – Jean Katherine Geddes Lynn, 95, of Peoria, formerly of Alta, died at 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, January 25, 2012, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center, Peoria.
Jean was born September 24, 1916, in Hancock County, IL, the oldest of three children of Allen G. and Edna Montague Geddes. She grew up in rural Fountain Green, IL, during the depression, graduated from Carthage (IL) High School in 1933, and from Gem City Business College in Quincy, IL. Two years later, she continued her education at Western Illinois State Teachers’ College (now W.I.U.) while working full-time in the business office.
Jean married fellow student Fred E. Lynn on June 3, 1939, a romance that lasted 55 years until Fred died in 1994. They raised three children, Barbara Shave of Kelowna, BC, Karen Mitchell of East Dundee, IL, and John Lynn of Peoria, IL. Also surviving are one sister, Joy Geddes of Arlington Heights, IL; one brother, Alan “Monte” (Erma) Geddes of Mediapolis, IA; 5 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and 8 nieces and nephews.
Jean was a resident and active part of the Alta/Dunlap community from 1955 until 2001. In 1961 she graduated “with distinction” from Bradley University and began teaching at Wilder Waite Grade School. She retired in 1976 and lived at Lutheran Hillside Village in Peoria at the time of her death. Jean was a whiz with numbers and crosswords, knew how to stretch a dollar, and had a lifelong love for travel, strawberries, and all babies. She also enjoyed gardening, playing bridge, golf, bowling, and was a member of D.A.R., IL Retired Teachers’ Association, and Prospect United Methodist Church in Dunlap. Throughout her life Jean focused on others’ needs and never lost her smile. For family, friends, neighbors and students, Jean Lynn was a model for a well-lived life.
A memorial service will be at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, January 28, 2012, at St. Luke’s Chapel at Lutheran Hillside Village, Peoria. Pastor Paul Park will officiate. Burial will be in Mt. Hawley Cemetery, Peoria.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial contributions to Bethel Place at Lutheran Hillside Village, 6901 N. Galena Rd., Peoria, IL 61614.
Hammitt-Hott Funeral Home, Princeville, is in charge of arrangements.
Private condolences may be sent to the family by clicking here.
