Lynette Ann Lehn

1944 - 2024

Lynette Ann Lehn
May 4, 1944 - September 23, 2024
Lynette Lehn passed away peacefully in her sleep the early hours of September 23rd. She was born May 4,1944, the daughter of Edwin J. Lehn and Charlotte (Wrzosek) Lehn, of Oak Park, a suburb of Chicago, Illinois. An only child, she grew up in a Catholic household, attending Catholic Elementary School and Oak Park, River Forest High School where she excelled in academics. While attending Illinois State University, she met her roommate, Lori Goodenough (Kirker) who became her lifelong friend. She graduated with a B.A. Degree in Special Education, with a focus on American Sign Language (ASL); and minored in Art. She had to pass a rigorous ASL examination for her finals. Adding to her repertoire she took a clowning course, later claiming her sense of humor and zest for life came from her Irish father.
Following her graduation from Illinois State University in 1966, Lynette secured a position in Fairbanks where she taught for two years. Returning to Illinois, she worked several years in the "Visual Aids" Department, providing charts, graphs and illustrations for an International Management Consulting Firm. During her adult years, her Clown Act came in good stead. Known as "Candy", dressed in self-made clown costumes, she entertained children at Birthday parties, producing puppetry and shaping balloon animals from her "bag-of-tricks waistband," while adding off-color humor for parents.
Hired by the City of Chicago School District, she was a Special Education teacher for many years until her retirement in 2005. Her position required traveling to many schools throughout the City, teaching deaf and mentally challenged children. Gaining seniority, she later supervised the program.
An avid Chicago Blackhawks Hockey Team supporter, Lynette became a clerk in their fan club. In tandem with their games, she helped organize, and participated in trips all over the U.S. and overseas with members of their fan base. When traveling to Japan with the Blackhawks, she often mentioned extending her trip to visit Mount Fiji, a highlight of her travels. Another of her memorable trips was taking the Trans Canadian Railroad across Canada with a cousin.
Following her retirement in 2005, she moved back to Alaska and with her former college roommate, Lori Kirker she became part owner of the Palmer "Alaskana Bookstore." Assisting with daily sales, she visited and forged close friendships with several of their customers. One frequent customer was involved with the Special Santa Program and upon making inquiries, Lynette soon became Mrs. Claus for the program. After the bookstore closed on March 30th 2014, sewing a new costume annually, Lynette became more involved in the Mat-Su Special Santa program. For their major fundraiser, during "Halloween Hollow," Mrs. Claus gave out candy canes and entertained young children with her numerous finger puppets. The event takes place annually in the Fairgrounds on Halloween eve. During the holidays, other Mrs. Claus activities included visiting elementary schools in addition to the Goose Creek Correctional Center where, thanking the inmates for their efforts, she admired their wooden toys, crocheted animals, mittens and hats made for the Special Santa program.
Other than creating a role as Mrs. Claus, Lynette often shared and gave away her art and sewing to numerous friends, their children and grandchildren. Her interests were varied and extensive. She frequently attended Alaska's annual archaeology conferences, including traveling with a friend to Istanbul, Turkiye for a European archaeology conference where she attended sessions on ancient fabric making. Her dynamic fun-loving personality, enjoyment of life, good food and interest in people will continue to resonate among her close friends.
She is survived by Cousins Robert "Bob" Wrzosek and James "Jim" Degen; Judy Becker, daughter of late cousin Mary Ann (Joe) Dobosz; Mary Jo, wife of her late cousin "Cy" Kennedy and God Daughter, Loriann (Kirker) Taylor. She leaves behind her numerous close friends including but not limited to the following: Denise Hood; Karla McNamara; Anna Buterbaugh; Mary Jo Parks; Al Haynes; the Houser family; Peggy Boswell; Fran Seager-Boss; Rainie and Jay; and recent companion Kris Perry and family. Per Lynette's request, there will be a celebration of her life. It will be held in the Gazebo at Kendall Park 3160 E. Cottle Loop, Wasilla, On October 27, 2024, from 2 p.m. - 6 p.m. Lynette's friends are welcome to attend.