On August 5, 2010 after a long and courageous struggle with heart and lung problems Wanda Irene (Steiner) Lynn ceased her labors on Earth and kept an appointment with her Creator.
The first of three girl children, Wanda was born on September 23, 1923 at Ellsworth, Wisconsin to Frank and Irene D .Lantz Steiner.
She attended Ellsworth High School and graduated with honors in 1941. Upon graduation Wanda pursued a vocation in secretarial work and graduated from the Minnesota School of Business in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She found work at the Langford Electric firm of Minneapolis from 1942 through 1947 . She and Everett met while he was attending the University of Minnesota and enrolled in dental school. Wanda and Everett “Tied The Knot” in Los Angeles, CA. November 21, 1947 while Everett was serving as a Lt. (j.g). USNR in the Navy Dental Corps, at Camp Pendleton USMC base Oceanside, CA. Upon his discharge in 1948 they lived in Redwood Falls, Minnesota until 1950 when they answered the call of the Big Sky Country and the Shining Mountains, moving to Helena and residing here since then. Everett retired from his dental practice in 1988.
Home and the family were her greatest pride and joy. Wanda’s 713 Camelot was an icon of housekeeping and boasted a cuisine cook without peer. There were memorable camping days exploring Montana’s back roads and Glacier Park. Golden cabin days at Swann Lake and Lake MacDonald with swimming and hiking were unforgettable. Yes, all were courtesy of Wanda’s packing, cooking and then unpacking at home Being a Cub Scout den mother was a learning experience for all. Lending assistance for the Camp Fire Girls was rewarding. She spent watchful years as a Mother Advisor for the Helena Rainbow Girls chapter. The Grand Cross of Honor was awarded in 1968 for her Rainbow contributions. Wanda was a 48 year member of St. Pauls United Methodist Church.
Pursuing her aspirations further, Wanda became Worthy Matron of Miriam Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star in 1973 serving in many capacities before and after Another shining moment for her culminated in 1979 as Queen of Sapphira Temple, Daughters of the Nile. Her mother and sister Lorraine made the long automobile trek from Minneapolis to be at this fulfilling and proud event .With stars in her eyes she traveled afar to many Supreme Sessions of the Nile A tireless community worker, Wanda served on the Board of Directors for the Helena YWCA, was secretary for the Helena Republican Women’s Group and enjoyed the experience and friendships acting as a long time election judge. She brought to life the saying that community participation and service is the rent which we pay for our stay on Earth.
An avid reader, Wanda would devour four or five books concurrently along with her many activities. Among her favorite TV programs were: Miss Marple, Sherlock Holmes, Lawrence Welk and baseball games. Could there be even more?, Somehow, yes. She was her man’s greatest fan and companion for his several musical activities. In his 20 years with the Helena Symphony not a concert was missed. She set a 60 year record attending State Capital Band Concerts at Memorial Park As a Jazzin’ Baby and Cakewalker for The Last Chance Dixieland Band, she traveled as part of the band’s entourage to Jazz Festivals and Cruises. How enjoyable were those bright hours of pleasure with the whirl of dancing and the generous wine of laughing discourse.
Those were the days! Travel brought trips to Portugal, France, Germany, Austria, Netherlands, Czech Republic,Russia, Egypt and Mexico. What a wonderful life with precious memories. The latter years with declining health gradually slowed all activities.
Death came as a kind messenger to relieve her of all her patient suffering. Wanda offered her own truth in a deeply felt and warm manner. She lifted her head above the crowd to view her horizons and attain her goals. Wanda made a difference and there was meaning to her life.
Surviving her are her husband, Dr. Everett L Lynn: her sister Donna Mae Earney of Redlands, CA,: son Steve (Marci) Lynn, Helena,Mt.: daughter, Barbara C. Lynn, Billings, grandsons: Geoffrey E. Lynn, St. Paul, Mn.; Daniel J. Lynn, Washington, D.C.; Nicholas S. Irion, Baltimore, Md.; and Wayne (Hillary) Irion, Billings, Mt. and nephews, Gary (Nancy)Earney, Redlands,CA.; and David (Cindy) Earney, Round Top, N.Y.
Preceding her in death were her parents, Frank and Irene Steiner, sister, Dr. Lorraine Steiner and daughter, Nancy D. Lynn Irion.
The public is invited to a graveside service to be held at 10 a.m., Tuesday, August 24, 2010 at the Forestvale Cemetery with Officers of Miriam Chapter #1 Order of Eastern Star officiating. A memorial service will follow at 11:30 a.m. at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church.
Memorials may be sent to the Daughter of the Nile Convalescent Relief Fund, PO Box 96, Helena, MT 59624 or to the charity of donor’s choice.
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Bonnie flesch says
I was so saddened to hear of Wanda’s passing. She was always a friendly face at the LCDJB events. We moved to Conrad from Helena four years ago to be closer to my mother. Ironically, Mother also passed away on August 5th, 2010. She was 100 yrs. Wanda was a gentle, loyal, beautiful lady who will be so missed. My sympathies to Doc and her family. God Bless, Bonnie Flesch