Lynas Kay Waun

1933 - 2023

Lynas Kay Schwendemann Waun died on November 27th, 2023, at the age of 90.

Born on the family farm in Burnside, Iowa, Lynas learned and carried forward the storied work ethic of someone raised on a farm. The days started early, and the chores were abundant. She could cook and bake from scratch, grow vegetables, and sew just about anything. Lynas learned to drive a pickup truck at the age of 11 so she could help on the farm.

Lynas was a loyal Iowa State Cyclone, and a grateful sister of Alpha Gamma Delta. An alto/second soprano in the Iowa State Singers, she would often contribute a harmony with songs on the radio, hymns at church or Christmas Carols.

As a young adult, she was a home economics teacher before marrying and becoming the mother of five children. She was a community volunteer, active in the AAUW Chapter of Ludington and Mason County, enjoyed pottery, PTA activities and time with her family and neighbors. She was the leader of the Webelos, Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, cherub choir, Brownie Scouts and 4-H sewing club. The paper wall calendar was full, as was the station wagon.

Upon achievement of her master's degree from Michigan State University, Lynas moved to Mt. Pleasant, Iowa to teach at Iowa Wesleyan College. Later, she capped her career as an Extension Agent for the University of Arizona, retiring in 2001.

Lynas relished her role as mom and grandma. Growing up, she encouraged her children to participate in extracurricular activities like music, sports, dance and theater, as well as prioritizing time with family, holiday traditions and education.

The grandchildren phase of life was the unequivocal highlight of her life. Flying or driving to California, Seattle, Texas, Michigan and Illinois, Lynas attended birthday parties, sports games, activities, concerts and recitals whenever possible. For several summers she hosted "grandma camp" at her home in Grand Rapids for days of crafting, cookie baking, water fights, movies, and trips to the zoo.

Missing Lynas and her dazzling smile are her children Chris Waun (Cindy), Geoff Waun, Greg Waun (Suzanne), Susan Waun and Stephanie Schrodt. Grandchildren David Waun (Rochelle Topley), Mark Waun (Bonita), Christopher Waun (Gwen Telgenhoff), Amanda Vanover (Thomas), Amalia Restrepo, Nick Restrepo, Luke Restrepo, Samuel Schrodt, and Noah Schrodt. Great grandsons Thomas Vanover and Theodore Waun. She is also survived by her "Waunburg" and Waun nieces and nephews. She is fondly remembered by numerous bonus children from Sherman Street. Lynas is also dearly missed by her cat, Gracie.

She was preceded in death by her parents V.W. Schwendemann and Amanda Schwendemann, her sister Ardea Chinburg, brother-in-law Don Chinburg and son-in-law Tom Henderson.