Lynn Howard Wakefield passed away in the early morning hours on January 6, 2022 of natural causes with his wife at his side. He was born on September 3, 1940 in Ferndale, Michigan to Harold and Dorothy {Rowling} Wakefield. Lynn grew up in Troy, Michigan. His first job as a youth was working on a farm across the road from his home. In addition, he served as a caregiver to his two younger brothers afflicted with Muscular Dystrophy. He was a great help to his mother. He graduated from Troy High School in 1958 and received an award for his caregiving. In 1960, Lynn enlisted in the U.S. Navy, stationed in Florida. He learned electronic technician skills, fixing airplane radios. He was discharged in 1963. He then went to work in a steel tube factory, making automobile pipes.
That summer he met a young lady, Annette Taylor, originally from Helena, Montana, a blind date at a wedding. The date went fairly well, and they began a courtship. On February 22, 1964, they eloped and were married in Royal Oak, Michigan. Annette had to return to work in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, but resigned from her job and returned to Michigan where their married life began. In May of 1965 their son Tom was born. They lived in Troy and later in Utica, Michigan. In 1966, the family came to Helena to visit Annette’s parents. Lynn fell in love with Montana, and by the time they returned home, they decided to come back to Helena to live. Annette found a job, so it all worked out.
Lynn began working in Allen Electric’s TV service department as an electronic technician and in 1969 he bought out that department and opened his own store (Wakefield TV/VCR Repair) in the Hustad Center. In 1971, the family welcomed their daughter, Lynnette. Lynn enjoyed camping, woodworking, and just being with family, whom he adored. Lynn closed up his shop in January 2002, joining with Annette in her retirement. They spent two full summers camped at the Elkhorn Guest Ranch on Rock Creek near Missoula. Their grandsons joined them often. In later years Lynn took up stained glass as a hobby and made a cover for every wall or ceiling light in the house! They were lovely. He also made flutes out of PVC pipes and loved demonstrating them to anyone who would listen, many times annoying his wife. Lynn had a somewhat odd sense of humor, making jokes that made no sense. (Later on, while a resident of Son Heaven Assisted Living, he regaled the others with his jokes}. He wasn’t too keen on traveling, but Annette was, so they made a few trips to Glacier, Yellowstone, California, Las Vegas, and later a return trip to Michigan.
Our family would like to thank Dr. Andrew Gilbert and his staff for their loving care of Lynn for several years, to St. Peter’s Hospital for their care many, many times, for the Son Heaven Assisted Living staff for their superb care for over two years. They loved him and vice versa, and for Encompass Health for their dedicated, compassionate help with hospice care in his final days.
Lynn was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Fred and Bud, his sister Judy Tucker, and infant granddaughter, Alyssa Wakefield. He is survived by his wife Annette of 57 years, his son Tom of Helena, his daughter Lynnette Taborsky of Helena, his “adopted” daughter Wendy Mason of Helena, originally of Boston, Ma., grandsons Connor Wakefield of Helena, Riley (Tausha) Wakefield of Butte, a great granddaughter Piper Wakefield of Butte, and his sister-in-law Cheryl (Allen) Burris of Carnation, WA. We love you and will miss you terribly. Rest in peace our beloved husband, dad, grampa, and great grampa.
Donations in honor of Lynn can be made to the local Muscular Dystrophy Foundation, Lewis and Clark County Humane Society, or a charity of your choice.
A graveside service with military honors is set for 11 a.m., Thursday, April 14th at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery, Fort Harrison. A Reception will be held in the social hall at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N Montana Ave,. immediately following the burial.
Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Lynn.
Service Schedule
Burial with Military Honors
11:00 a.m.
Thursday April 14, 2022
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
1900 Williams Ave.
Fort harrison, Montana 59636
Reception
Following the service
Thursday April 14, 2022
Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Burial with Military Honors
11:00 a.m.
Thursday April 14, 2022
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
1900 Williams Ave.
Fort harrison, Montana 59636
Reception
Following the service
Thursday April 14, 2022
Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Todd says
Lynn was my High School Best Friend’s Dad and always treated me like family. Anytime I showed up at his house, he always wanted an update on what I was doing in my life and plans for the future. In my college days, we shared a few drinks together any weekend I drove up from Bozeman to hang out with Tom. They occasionally invited me on their father-son ritual pub crawls to any one of the many Helena casino dive bars to throw back a couple JD shots and beers. I know for a fact, Lynn made me my very 1st Old Fashion, which I’m still enjoying to this day! Good times! Lynn did have a quirky sense of humor, but I got him! He always had some observation about something that was interesting! Missing the good times spent with Lynn and grieving for his family as he will be missed!
Jim and Annalise Willson says
Annette and family; We are so sorry to hear about Lynn. It was so nice to meet him and Annette a few years ago at Cousin Marilyn Nagel’s Home. we are all Cousins with a “Willson” connection. It was a wonderful reunion of Cousins I had always wanted to meet. Our connection is thru Lillian (Willson) and Hugh Hunter. Rest In Peace Lynn.
Jim and Annalise Willson
Ronald R Shields says
Blessing to your family. We always enjoyed our times plowing snow in the Scratchgravels and our years of friendship.
Carol Duval says
So sorry for the loss of Lynn. We shared many years of memories living as neighbors in the Sunhaven area as well as camping memories at Rock Creek. Annette you and your family are in my prayers.
Kathy Schenck says
Annette, Tom & Lynnette, and family, so sorry for your loss. I know, because of your devotion, he will be missed.
Sherry and Casey Gunter says
Dear Annette, my heart and prayers are with you! Love in Christ, Sherry