Our wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and best friend to many, Lynn Beatrice Maki, left us after a five-month gallant struggle from Glioblastoma brain cancer.
Lynn was born just outside of Onaka, South Dakota to Clane and Emma Roesch on January 4, 1949. The story goes that Emma was ready for delivery at the onset of a barnburner of a South Dakota blizzard and Clane chained up a fuel tanker and drove the expectant mother to the hospital in Faulkton where Lynn was born. Lynn was the second of four Roesch children, with older sister Dorothy and sister and brother Kenny and Paulette to come later. Lynn’s early memories of living in Onaka include helping her Grandma Waldman butcher chickens which would be fried up for Sunday dinner. The family moved to Ellendale, ND in 1954 where Clane ran the Red and White Grocery Store. In 1957 Lynn became a Montana citizen when they moved to Plentywood, MT where her father bought the local Dairy Queen and eventually the Bakery Café and laundromat. They made the last move in 1960 to Billings, MT, where Lynn spent the rest of her growing-up years.
Lynn graduated from Billings West High School in 1967 and married her high school sweetheart, Bob Brown in 1968. Bob was drafted shortly after the marriage began and Lynn spent a year on Army bases in Mississippi and Louisiana. Bob was sent to Vietnam in 1969 so Lynn came home to Montana and went to work for Mountain Bell as a switchboard operator and enrolled at Eastern Montana College. After Bob completed his time in the service, both graduated with education degrees in 1972 from Eastern. They both landed teaching jobs in Rosebud, MT where their cost of living was supplemented by the local high school deer hunters. Lynn taught elementary grades and junior high math. Bob and Lynn’s daughter Dey was born in Miles City on Bob’s birthday, May 20th, 1973. The family moved back to Billings in 1976 where Lynn taught nearby at a small farming community school in Eldergove. In 1979 Bob and Lynn divorced, Lynn packed up Dey and went back to college at the University of Montana. After three lean years of being a single mom on a limited income, she graduated in 1982 with a BS in Computer Science.
In 1982, Lynn started working for Mike Schaer at Computers Unlimited as a programmer and soon moved up into various management positions, eventually making it to a department director for CU. Lynn traveled extensively in her 27 year career with CU, first starting as installing software and later as a consultant that assessed the needs of future CU clients. Lynn traveled all over the U.S., Canada, Mexico and to Columbia South America. Lynn was known and respected in the industry for her ability to solve the most complex of problems, the knack to smooth ruffled feathers, her customer service ethic and the ability to complete projects on time. She made friends behind every door she ever walked through. Lynn retired from CU in 2009, moved to Helena and was immediately hired as a manager for a programming unit with the Department of Health and Human Services. She retired for a good minute after she turned 65 in 2014.
In 1982 Lynn met Mark Maki, a union construction worker, which began a nine year stretch of dating, breaking up and getting back together again. Mark and Lynn were married for real in 1991. During the “not sure about this relationship period” Mark returned to college, earned a second undergraduate degree in Business Administration and took a job with the Department of Labor and Industry in Helena. Lynn and Mark had an 18 year commuter marriage which required travel between Billings and Helena. Lynn left Billings in 2009 and they have lived happily under the same roof for the last 9 years.
Lynn truly enjoyed spending time with her daughter Dey. She jumped at the chance to visit her wherever she happened to live, but especially enjoyed planning trips they could take together. It was often noted that they enthusiastically ate and drank their way through any city or town they visited but mostly just appreciated their time together.
Lynn was the ring leader in establishing book clubs in Billings and Helena, which basically entailed the consumption of Chardonnay, snacking and gabbing with her many friends. A book was occasionally reviewed. Lynn fly fished, she loved spending time drifting the Missouri and for some reason she managed to fall into just about every river she fished. At age 60 she took an 8 day guided pack trip with Mark into the Bob Marshall Wilderness which included a 26 mile horseback ride to the base camp. She was always game for an adventure. Lynn belonged to the Fox Ridge ladies golf league, another reason to spend time with friends and sip chardonnay. She had a lucky streak, she enjoyed gambling in Las Vegas and was on a first name basis at several local casinos. Lynn loved to socialize, planning Friday night cocktails and dinner with our friends the Herzogs and the Tuttles and attending fundraisers for just about anything.
Lynn was an active member of the St. Mary’s Catholic Community Church. She baked communion bread, provided baked goods for church events, generously “stuffed the bus” every fall, provided Christmas gifts to those in need and donated to just about any charity that supported low income families and single mothers raising families. Lynn was a champion for women in the workplace, for equal pay and encouraged young women to advance themselves professionally.
Lynn was loving and caring to all in our family. Our door was always open and she made sure no one she knew went without. She made every effort to spoil her two grandsons and she always kept them smothered with treats and love. Her smile, her love and her tenderness will be sorely missed by all who knew her.
Lynn was preceded in death by her parents and her sister Dorothy Peterson and sister-in-law Dianne Roesch. Lynn is survived by her husband Mark, daughters Dey Brown (Paula) and Molly Clark (Byron), sister Paulette Nooney, brother Kenny Roesch, brothers-in-law Charlie (Kelly) Maki, Brian (Lisa) Maki, Rick Swan and sisters-in-law Susan Maki, Bridget Swan and Mary Swan and grandsons Desmond and Everett Clark along with numerous nieces and nephews and her special friend Mona the Cat.
Lynn: Our world is not the same place without you. You will be forever missed and always loved.
The family would like to thank Dr. Thomas Weiner and Emily Burton with the St. Peter’s Health cancer treatment center and the entire staff from Frontier Hospice for the comfort and care hey provided for Lynn and her family during this difficult time.
A Rosary and Vigil will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Community Church, 1700 Missoula Ave. on Sunday, April 22nd at 4:30pm and a Funeral Mass will celebrated at 12:10pm on Monday, April 23rd at Saint Mary Catholic Community, 1700 Missoula Ave., with a reception to follow the Mass at the church.
In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Community Church or the Lewis and Clark Humane Society in Lynn’s memory.
Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Lynn.
Service Schedule
Rosary
4:30 p.m.
Sunday April 22, 2018
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Mass
12:10 p.m.
Monday April 23, 2018
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
After the Mass
Monday April 23, 2018
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Rosary
4:30 p.m.
Sunday April 22, 2018
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Mass
12:10 p.m.
Monday April 23, 2018
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
After the Mass
Monday April 23, 2018
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Share
Bill Bentley says
Take care, Mark.
Valerie Eickmeyer says
So sorry about Lynn’s passing. I enjoyed golfing with her and seeing her at the Griz games and at church. Rest In Peace sweet lady.
Gerard Boland says
Mark…. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
John Ross says
Mark, so sorry to hear about Lynn. Glad I was given the chance to get to know her and I’ll miss seeing her at church. My thoughts and prayers are with you!
Francie says
I am proud to have called Lynn a mentor and friend. I will miss her wit and charm.
Francie says
I forgot to add – Lynn and Mark are why I knew that Mick and I could also be a successful commuter couple.
Kenny says
Mark, I am so sorry for your loss. I had the pleasure to be hired and to work with Lynn at Computers Unlimited in her department, project management. She was a one of kind person and she always brought fun and innovation to a very stressful and unique company. I will miss her and will always be one of her boys here at CU. Thanks for the many memories Lynn and thanks for the opportunity you gave to me.
Jim Michlig says
My condolences Mark. I am very sorry for your loss.
Nola olson says
So very sorry to lose my wonderful niece Lynn! Lynn was so loved in our family. She will be missed. She is free from pain and an angel in heaven now! Mark you and Dey took such good care of Lynn, and she knew it! May you find comfort in all your memories! Nola
Bette Hall Munger says
From Bette Hall Munger
I was in the Helena Book Club with Lynn for 61/2 years. Obviously, this is where I got to know
Lynn. Lynn was a good listener, participant, a good cook, full of laughs and fun, and
loved her Chardonnay along the way!! She had a way, too, of choosing excellent books. Best
of all was getting to know Lynn well through this fellowship. If you really want to get to know
someone well, join a book club — it will happen! I feel blessed to have known her and shared
so many good times together. I was also proud that I could help her eat and keep her company
as she was journeying through some very challenging times. Lynn, I will miss you and will surely
be looking for you as spring arrives with hope and renewal. God Bless you and your special family.
Bob Andersen says
Mark: Our thoughts and prayers are with you and our memories are of Lynn. Take care, Bob and Susan.
Kim Burtman says
So sorry about our sweet cousin Lynn, she will be missed so much. I bet her and sister Dorothy along with mom and pop are having a cocktail! Thinking of you!
Billi S says
Lynn was one of the most incredible people I’ve met: smart, fun, caring, genuine. Always the lightest spot in the room. Her warmth, openness, and generosity were unmatched. What an inspiration! Such a joy and privilege to have spent time with her at LIEAP and on ladies’ nights out. I’m blessed to have known her, and will never forget her. I miss her every day!
Sandy says
Lynn was one of the nicest people I’ve had the pleasure to know and work with. So sad that she is gone. I have fond memories of Lynn and the CU Talent/No-Talent shows and the CU Bunko group. Rest in Peace Lynn.
Rosanne Krisanda says
Dey, what a wonderful woman your Mom was, she did so much with her life . I am so sorry it was cut short. You’re a very lucky girl to have such a great Mom. She will always be with you. Love Rosanne Krisanda
Amy says
So very sorry for your loss. I work at CU and had the pleasure of working with Lynn as well as participating in many fun work events with her. She was a talented, sweet lady who will be missed.
Diane Francis says
Mark, Dey, Kenny, Paulette, Molly; She was a most special person. So happy, kind, fun, loving….
Paula is right when she said your world will not be the same, but so blessed she was part of this time we are here. Take care guys. love you diane
Robin says
Mark,Dey and family,
So very sorry for your loss! I had the honor of working with a Lynn for 20 years at CU. I have so many great memories, but one of my fondest were the after work meetings at the Rex. Lynn, Heidi and I had our corner at the bar and Tom, the bartender had our Chards poured and sitting on the bar before we sat down. If it was a bad day at work we met to console each other; if it was a good day at work we met to celebrate together. Needless to say, we met frequently and where often joined by close co-workers, Karen and Becky.
Lynn’s obituary is so well written and was spot on about her ability to work through complex problems and manage a project or problem. I was always amazed hw she could so calmly diffuse a emotional situation – always calm and cool!
God Bless you all during these difficult times!
Lanae Vetsch says
Mark and family
I am sorry to hear about Lynn’s passing. She was a lovely person and I enjoyed visiting with her whenever I had the chance.
May happy memories of Lynn help to ease your sorrow. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Keith and Lanae
Jerry Ziegler says
Mark & Family,
I am very sorry to hear of Lynn’s passing. I had the ultimate privilege to work for and with Lynn for almost 10 years at Computers Unlimited. I started at CU right out of college – Lynn was my first manager and later a manager-colleague. Lynn was always kind, knowledgeable, tough, and supportive — even when I sensed she thought I was making the wrong decision! I left CU many years ago to pursue another path and I was fortunate to re-connect with Lynn a couple of years ago. I continue to manage people and projects and many lessons I learned from Lynn I still employ today. Please know that Lynn touched many people and her influence reached very, very far. She will be missed.
Prayers to all,
Jerry Ziegler
Rita Lewis says
Mark, Dey, Molly, Paulette & Kenny – I’m so sorry for your loss. Lynn was one of my favorite cousins. She was always so kind & caring,–a fun loving lady. She will be missed.
Felicity & Mike McFerrin says
So sorry, Mark. We’re thinking of you.
Kathi Barton says
I am so sorry for your loss and send sincere condolences.
Bob Stocker says
Mark , Dey ;
My condolences and prayers for you at this difficult time. Lynn was such a special person . It was a pleasure to have known and worked with her at Computers Unlimited for many years. I will always remember her for her special wit , caring personality and go get’em attitude.
Lauri Doney says
Sorry for your loss Mark and family. She was a very nice and carry lady. I liked my visits with you and Mark when you would come in. You will be truly missed by many.
Kari Nelson says
Mark and family –
I too was hired directly out of college at CU and Lynn was my first manager. She was great! We had a lot of fun in those early years at CU! I am so sad to hear that she passed. My thoughts are with all of you.
Kari Nelson
Lynn Casey says
Dear Mark and Dey,
You have been wonderful companions on this journey with Lynn these past months. I continue to keep you in prayer during this time of loss of a special woman. Blessings and condolences.
Sister Lynn Casey, SCL
Trina says
Sorry for your loss. Lynn was a partner in the Penny Annies Investment club while she lived in Billings. I reconnected with her again at the Electrician Apprentice Graduation. Remarkable lady!
Will Krisanda says
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Lynn. I remember meeting her at Paula and Dey’s wedding. She was really nice and had such a bubbly personality. <3 You are all in my thoughts. Love you so much. Sending hugs. xoxoxo.
John Lowney says
Mark, so sorry to hear about Lynn. Lisa and I have wonderful memories of fishing the Big Horn with you and Lynn. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Blake & Phyllis says
Mark, Dey, Kenny and Paulette – So sorry for your loss. Lynn was truly a class act and one of the nicest women we ever knew. She will be missed. You’re all in our thoughts and prayers.
Jens says
God bless you and your family
Lynn says
I am so saddened by this news. Lynn was my surrogate “Mom”, while I was at UM with her in Missoula. She inspired me to always do my best and stay in school and finish my degree. We used to go to happy hour every Friday downtown at the Acapulco because they had free hors d’oeuvres and we all were on very limited budgets. I babysat for Dey during those years and Lynn would insist on paying me, even tho I didn’t want her to do so. I continued to call her Mom throughout my life. There is a big void in the world without her now, yet all whose path she crossed will forever remember her kindness and generosity. Rest in peace Lynn.
David Cowles says
To the Maki family: Please accept my sincere condolences and deepest sympathy on the loss of your dear loved one. Death is such a tragedy for all of us, and when it touches us personally, it’s sometimes difficult to find the comfort that we search for. Our loving Heavenly Father Jehovah, who is the God of all comfort, feels empathy for those who have lost a loved one in death, and therefore promises to swallow up death forever and eliminate all pain and suffering. (Please read Revelation 21:4 and Isaiah 25:8) As you read the above texts in your Bible, may they give you hope and comfort, during this most difficult time. Again, my deepest sympathy. David Cowles
Anneliese Swingle says
I’ll forever be grateful for some of my fondest memories of Mark and Lynn cooking hamburgers and taking charge of the entire rehearsal dinner meal for Tim’s and my wedding it was absolutely magnificent and memories I will always cherish! She will be dearly missed!
Jerry & BJ Bouray says
Mark and family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you. RIP Lynn
Renie says
Mark
We are so lucky to have you and Lynn come into our lives. Better neighbors no one could ever had. Getting to know Lynn, 9 years ago, was the easiest thing I ever did. She was the shining light that was always on.
The last conversation I had with her was when you were taking her to the doctor, and she said ‘I am going to see why my body won’t do what my brain wants to do’. You are a shining star for all of us.
Bob Warren says
Mark, our condolences to you and your family. I didn’t know Lynn very long but I sure enjoyed helping her last summer at the JATC. Lynn was very kind, intelligent and a pleasure to be around.
Brooke Herzog says
Mark and Dey, my heart is with you today as you say goodbye to your beautiful, kind, intelligent Lynn. She was such a wonderful friend to my parents and whenever I had the opportunity to see her she always made me feel so loved. She genuinely cared for people and offered such great insight to those she cared for. I will always remember her. I’m holding you and your family in my heart today. With Heartfelt Sympathy, Brooke Herzog
Lisa Newman says
Mark and famiy,
My thoughts and prayers for all of you. So sorry for your loss.
Lisa Newman
Ken McLean says
To Mark: Mark, I somehow completely missed Lynn’s obituary until after her services were complete. I’m sorry. I can only imagine how much you must miss her. I only knew her for a short time, and only through you and work gatherings, but I enjoyed her very much. I appreciated her wry humor, grace and kindness; she had a knowing twinkle in her eye that made her very special. I smile when I remember her moving to Helena from Billings, and you brought a picture of an elk to the office to help make room at home for some of her favorite wall art. While I’m saddened by her passing, I’m glad for the life she lived, and how she brought you and others around her happiness and richer lives. Take care of yourself.
Ken McLean, futureview71@gmail.com