Linda “Lynn” Darfler (nee Huck) passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family at 1:28 p.m. on July 26, 2021 after a courageous battle with lung and pancreatic cancer. Lynn was born on January 27, 1950 in Denver, CO as the oldest of five children to Alvina “Midge” Georgina and Raymond “Ray” Henry Huck. She spent her childhood in Denver and moved to Helena, MT to attend Carroll College after she completed high school. She graduated from Carroll College with a degree in elementary education and was awarded “The Margaret Brown Memorial Award for Elementary Education Outstanding Future Teacher.” Soon after she began teaching at Central School and met her husband-to-be, Ed Darfler, who was the P.E. teacher. The two eventually married in 1985 and welcomed daughter, Arynn, in 1988.
Lynn was the epitome of a loving mother and wife. She made sure to attend every single basketball game, track meet, soccer game, and gymnastics meet in which Arynn participated and only had to miss one competition over Arynn’s long athletic career. She somehow found time in between shuttling Arynn to and from different sporting events to keep Ed in line during his coaching endeavors. She never blinked an eye at making locker decorations for the teams or opening her home to upwards of 20 high school athletes at a time for pre-meet meals.
Lynn touched the lives of countless students over her 35-year teaching career. She loved reminiscing about her students and telling stories to anyone who was interested. Upon her retirement, Lynn took part-time jobs working the front desk at two local businesses. She thoroughly enjoyed interacting with the patrons and reconnecting with old students that happened to come by.
Her life became fuller in 2017 when Arynn married Tom Kain. She loved nothing more than spending time with Arynn, Tom, and Ed. Life became even sweeter in 2021 when her grandson, Henry, was welcomed into the world. Lynn was able to get the first smile out of Henry and could calm him better than anyone by simply looking into his eyes. Henry is so blessed to have been able to spend time with Lynn before her passing.
Lynn was a very private person and hated nothing more than to boast about her accomplishments. Thus, a lot of the anecdotes we knew about Lynn came from others telling stories. Through these stories, we learned that Lynn was an extremely gifted pianist and played the organ for her church growing up. She was also a contestant in the Miss Helena pageant. Along these same lines, she would never have wanted anyone to fuss over or worry about her. Thus, she kept her health issues hidden from most and stoically faced them head-on. She was brave and courageous through her health journey, even when making the hard decision to forego treatment. She was positive throughout her entire fight.
The common threads throughout Lynn’s life were love, kindness, and selflessness. It was not uncommon for her to anonymously pay off bills for people going through difficult times. She quickly and genuinely befriended anyone who needed support. She was always the treat and snack supplier at work. Hidden under her kind demeanor was a quick wit that could catch anyone off guard and incite belly laughs from all around. Lynn simply lit up rooms with her presence. She will be missed by all.
Lynn was preceded in death by her parents, Ray and Midge Huck, and in-laws, Henry “Hank” and Cecile (Matthews) Darfler.
Lynn is lovingly remembered and survived by her husband, Ed; daughter, Arynn Kain, son-in-law Tom Kain, and grandson, Henry Kain; sisters Debbie Davies and Kathy Berumen; brothers Jim Huck and wife Karen Simpson and Steven Huck and wife Debi Jean Huck; her nieces and nephews; her great nieces and great nephews; and the rest of her extended family and friends.
A viewing will be held on August 2, 2021 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. with a short ceremony performed by Deacon Bob at 5:00 p.m. at Anderson Stevenson & Wilke Funeral Home and Crematory in Helena. Lynn’s life will be celebrated on August 3, 2021 at noon at the Cathedral of St. Helena. A reception will follow at Anderson Stevenson & Wilke Funeral Home and Crematory in Helena.
Service Schedule
Visitation
4:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Monday August 2, 2021
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
,
Funeral Mass
Noon to 1:00 pm
Tuesday August 3, 2021
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N Ewing St
,
Service Schedule
Visitation
4:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Monday August 2, 2021
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
,
Funeral Mass
Noon to 1:00 pm
Tuesday August 3, 2021
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N Ewing St
,
Share
Wilma Tabaracci says
Ed and Aaryn,
So sorry to hear about Lynn. Sending you virtual hugs. Those memories will keep her close❤️
The Tabaracci Family
Linda Paull says
Ed and Aaryn,
I am so sorry to hear about Lynn. She was Ana amazing wife, mother, teacher and friend to all. Sending thoughts and prayers to you and your family!
Dudley Williams says
Ed. Sorry to hear of Linda’s passing. Not an easy thing to go through . My sincerest sympathies to you & family .
Deb Hendrix says
Arynn & Ed, We are so sorry to hear the news of Lynn’s passing. I have so many wonderful memories of times spent with Lynn . Today and always, may living memories bring you strength, comfort and peace. Sending our heartfelt condolences. Deb and Rich
Becky and Paul Donaldson says
Ed, Arynn and the extended Darfler family, We are so very sorry to hear of Lynn’s passing and regret that we will not be in town to attend services. Please know we are holding you all close in our hearts.
Dee Dee and Gary Fischer, Joe, Pat, and Sam says
Mr. Darfler- only really knowing you and Lynn as amazing teachers, mentors, coaches, and life-guides in my thre boys’ lives, I can say confidently and with years of experience to back it up – our family, the people of Helena, and this world are all better because Lynn Darfler touched us. Thank you for sharing her time and love with so many over the years. She will be missed. May God’s peace and sweet comfort bless you and Arryn and the rest of your family and friends at this difficult time.
Judy Griffith says
Lynn was a caring, devoted teacher and a lovely woman. I am so very sorry for your loss.
Shelley says
Butch and Shelley (Novak) and Family
Ed,Arynn,
sorry to hear of Lynn passing. Sending love, hugs and prayer
Jerome Tuss says
Ed, I am sorry to hear about Lynn’s death. May God be with you and your family during this time of sorrow. I remember Lynn in those early years of our careers, belonging to the MEA and participating in the teachers organization.
Kalli Kind says
I’m so sorry to hear about Lynn. My mom babysat Aaryn when she was little, and I always enjoyed seeing Lynn and visiting about our families. Lynn always had a smile and kind words. Please know she will be remembered with love.
Jo Parker says
Ed, Arynn and family, I am so sad to hear of my friend, Lynn’s, passing. When we worked together at PEAK, we were each other’s support and grew close. In recent years, we only got together occasionally, usually to celebrate her birthday. Because of COVID, we missed that time celebrating for the past two years. I missed visiting with her. She was kind, funny, caring, and loved her family beyond measure. I am shocked and words fail me. Please know that I am thinking of you with love and heartfelt sympathy.
Pat Armstrong says
So sorry for your loss. Visited with Lynn a few week’s ago. So glad we got to touch base. My thoughts and prayers go out to you all. RIP my friend.
Jeannie and Pat Hurley says
Ed, Arynn and family. There are no words to say how deeply sorry we are to hear of Lynn’s passing. What an incredible woman, wife, mother and educator. Lynn always had a smile to share, thus making others smile as well. She was the keeper of the clan (Ed and Arynn and many others), and she loved every minute of it. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this very difficult time.
Jim and Peg Stipcich says
Ed and the entire extended Darfler family. We are deeply saddened to hear the news about Lynn. She was an amazing woman and we feel honored to know she was a part of our extended family. Our prayers and thoughts are with all of you.
Ellen Speranza says
Ed and Arynn
Shocked this morning to read about lovely Lynn. She was the kindest person with the absolute largest heart. Her legacy lives on in so many lives she touched. Our kids all benefitted from her delicious treats for soccor and cross country. Prayers for her and your whole family.
Ellen and Dominick Speranza
Mary and Marty Mouat says
Dear Ed and Arynn,
What a simply beautiful obituary –and her smile in the photo says it all! I am sure all the Central School kids thought they were her favorite student! She was so kind and loving and genuine. My kids will never forget Miss Huck!!! And of course the love story and wedding to Mr. Darfler!!!! Thank you for sharing her story with us.
Marty and Mary Mouat
Dale and Janet Horne says
Ed, Arynn, and all the Darfler family, so very sorry to hear about Lynn and all your loss. She was such a nice person. I’ll always remember her telling me that our horseback ride together with her on Dale’s horse Whiskey, was something she remembered so enjoyable!
A happy rememberance from Telegraph Cr Rd.
Dale and Janet Horne
Gregsons says
Ed, Arynn and entire Darfler family, we are so, so very sorry to hear this news. What a bright light she was for everyone she would meet…please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Goose and Jan
Marilyn Hayes says
I am so sorry to learn of Lynn’s passing. She was a wonderful teacher and a lovely person!
My heart goes out to Ed and the family.
Marilyn Hayes
Marilyn Hayes says
I am so sorry to learn of Lynn’s passing. She was a wonderful teacher and a lovely person
My heart goes out to Ed and the family
Doug Stipcich says
Ed and Arynn,
I am so saddened to learn of Lynn’s recent passing. Thoughts and Prayers are headed your way from Great Falls.
Becky says
Ed, Arynn and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that you’re in my thoughts and prayers.
Sharon Sargeson says
Ed and Arynn, I was saddened to hear of your loss. Please know you are in Rowdy and my thoughts and prayers.
Kathy Hampton says
Ed and Arynn, words can’t express how sad we were to hear about Lynn. What a wonderful teacher, person and neighbor she has been. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. Kathy, Brittany and Steve
Robyn and Jon Nickel says
We are shocked and sorry to hear about Lynn. She was a wonderful mentor, colleague and friend! I truly enjoyed being buddies with her 4th grade class at Four Georgian’s School. My Kindergarten students loved her and her classes. Many of them kept in touch with each other for permanent friendships. I was thrilled to have Arynn in my class which helped me to love the family even more. Ed, Arynn, and Tom, we are truly heart broken! Please accept our thoughts and prayers!
Jon, Robyn, and Brian
Leslie Stoll says
I am so sorry for the loss of this great woman- whom I still consider Miss Huck. She was my 2nd grade teacher at Central School. She was a kind and inspirational educator. My love to all her family and friends ❤.
Donna Novak and Jackie Leslie says
Ed and family, So sorry for your loss.We are thinking of you at this difficult time. Donna Novak and Jackie Leslie.
Mike and Sara Dunlap says
Ed, Arynn and family,
We are so very sorry to hear of Lynn’s passing. She was one of the most kind and special human being we know. Our thoughts and hugs to you now and in the days to come.
The Dunlap’s, Mike, Sara, Stevie and Jordan.
Angel Petersen says
Ed, Arynn and family. So sorry for your loss. We are thinking of you at this difficult time.
The Petersen’s
Travis, Joshua, Derek, Dawson, Angel & Roger
Janice Connors says
To Lynn’s family,
So very sorry to hear of Lynn’s illness
and death. She was very private and
that is to be respected. We attended
Carroll College together and enjoyed
those college times. Thoughts and
prayers for her family.
Bob Matthews says
Ed, Sheila and I send our sincerest condolences over your great loss. I best remember Lynn when you two were dating back in the late 70’s – early 80s – you guys were basically attached at the hip.
She was always very friendly and I once kiddingly told her that she was too good for you. You and I are both glad that she didn’t listen to me. take care – hope to see you next summer.
John Joseph Parsons says
Ed, so sorry to hear about your loss. Glen told me he had seen the notice and we were both saddened. I remember Lynn (Ms. Huck) clearly. She would show up to cross country practice from time to time just so she could smile and laugh. She really did enjoy being around people.