Lynda Wolken

Lynda Wolken, age 81, passed away Sunday, November 16, 2025 with family by her side at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics in Iowa City.

A visitation honoring the life of Lynda will take place on Saturday, November 22 from 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. at the Trinity Lutheran Church of Dillon. A graveside service will follow at the Lutheran Cemetery of Dillon. Friends and family are also invited to attend a family-led celebration of life at Elmwood Country Club from 2:00 to 6:00 P.M, with a special program beginning at 3:30 P.M. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the family for later designation. Mitchell Family Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of Lynda and her family. For additional questions or to leave a condolence, please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call 641-844-1234.

Born Lynda Jeanne Lukehart on October 6, 1944 in Marshalltown, Iowa, she was the daughter of Leonard “Mike” and Donna (Stewart) Lukehart. She grew up on a farm near Laurel, graduating from Laurel High School with the class of 1962. Shortly after graduation she took a retail position at Seiferts in Cedar Rapids, with her love of fashion continuing throughout her lifetime.

Lynda and Morris “Moe” Wolken were united in marriage on April 18, 1970 at the Trinity Lutheran Church of Dillon. Lynda always liked to keep busy whether she was fussing with home decor, flower gardens or making a home cooked meal. In addition to raising their girls on the farm, Lynda owned a consignment store in Grinnell called “Rags and Riches” in the 1980s. She also held retail jobs at The Chalet, Willards and Younkers. Younkers was Lynda’s happy place where she made countless lifelong friends.

Lynda and Moe never missed a chance to socialize. Time was well spent dining out, shopping ‘til she dropped, and traveling with friends and family. In earlier years, they enjoyed being members of the Grinnell Country Club. Lynda especially treasured winters spent at their home in Florida. She carried an elegance uniquely her own—always dressed to the nines often in fur, animal prints, or her signature lime green. She welcomed everyone she met and offered unconditional love to her family and friends. Truly the life of the party, Lynda brought light and warmth with her wherever she went.

Left to cherish her memory are her two daughters: Lisa Diers of Marshalltown and Lori (Tim) Wignall of State Center; stepson Jim (Nonie) Manker of San Diego, CA; her grandchildren: Nick (Michelle) Diers, Jena (Travis) Hunt, Maddison, Alexa and Zoey Wignall, and Adam, Andrew and Nash Manker; six great-grandchildren: Lawson, Weston and Ava Diers, Mason and Jordy Hunt, and Carter Manker; her brother Greg (Cheryl) Lukehart of Marshalltown; sisters-in-law Linda Wheater of LeGrand and Ellen (Russ) Mann of Gilman; and her brother-in-law Jim Wolken of Gilman. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends.

Lynda is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Moe; her parents; her brother John (Mary) Lukehart; sister-in-law Linda Wolken; brother-in-law Dan Wheater and 4 nieces in infancy: Stacey Mann, Hayley Mann, Chloe Kline and Angela Lukehart. She is also preceded in death by Jim Heddens, her travel and dining companion from the last few years.