Lynn W. Andersen

Lynn W. Andersen

Lynn W. Andersen, 77, of Kearney, died February 27, 2024 at C.H.I. Good Samaritan Hospital. There will be no local services. Horner, Lieske, McBride, and Kuhl will oversee burial, 1:00 pm, March 7, 2024 at Fort McPherson National Cemetery, Maxwell, Nebraska. In lieu of attendance or flowers, memorials are suggested to Yanney Heritage Park Foundation, the Buffalo County Historical Society, or The Marine Corps Toys for Tots. Please visit www.hlmkfuneral.com to leave a tribute or message of condolence. Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services in Kearney are in charge of arrangements.

Lynn was born September 10, 1946, to Dennis (nickname Dick) and Marie {Walenta) Andersen in Lexington Community Hospital, residing in rural Elm Creek, NE. Neither parent liked their middle names, therefore, gave their sons middle initials instead of middle names.

After several moves within Buffalo County, the family moved to Overton in 1952 and to Kearney in 1961. While in high school in 1963, Lynn started working in the bindery dept. for Harold Morris, at then Hub Printing Company, which became Morris Printing Group. Lynn graduated from Kearney High School in 1964.

In January of 1966, at age 19, Lynn was drafted. On leaving Kearney, his dad said, "You'll probably get an airplane flight before you come home". As luck would have it, Lynn called that night from a layover in LAX before flying to San Diego to say, "I had my flight."

Little did he or his parents know that the Marine Corps was drafting. Lynn became a member of the Marine Corps, January 17th, 1966. After basic training at Camp Pendleton CA, he received infantry and specialist training, followed by Vietnamese Language School at the Naval Amphibious Base at Coronado CA. In September of 1966, Lynn departed San Diego by ship to serve thirteen months overseas with the Third Battalion, 26th Marines with stops and training in Hawaii, Okinawa, and the Philippines, before his service in Vietnam. R&R was enjoyed in Bangkok, Thailand. Discharged from active duty in 1968, he entered the reserves and received an honorable discharge in 1970. Lynn was a member of the American Legion and life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

After returning to Kearney, Lynn spent one year adjusting to civilian life before resuming his career at the new Morris Press. Lynn advanced to Operations Administrator before retiring after 44 years of dedication to Morris Printing Group, then owned and operated by Scott D Morris.

Among many gifts from the company and employees at retirement was a memorial bench at Yanney Park. Lynn's wish was for his legacy to live on through an estate gift to Yanney Heritage Park, his place of community, unity, and peace. He was a supporter of his community and various veteran's organizations, particularly the disabled.

Lynn is survived by his brother, Dennis (Andy), Centennial CO, special friends; Charline Harris, Mary Leeper, Charles Ashley, and Paul Carpenter.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister-in-law, Myrna Loy (Kirkpatrick) and his nephew Kirk {Patrick) Andersen.