Lynn Wilfred Van Etten

Eulogy

Lynn Wilfred Van Etten was born January 31^st, 1956, in Denver Colorado, the youngest of 5 children. Though his parents, Leo and Ruth, created a strict upbringing the siblings learned to lean on each other. As the runt of the litter, he was a self-described “wild-child” no one could tame, and quickly learned to tough it out and get things done. At the age of 26 he met the love of his life, Cynthia, who he married in 1982, and because he loved her so much, again in 2019. Their new family grew fast, adding to Cynthia’s 2 children 2 more in 1982 and 1986 just before taking their 20-year vacation in California.

Lynn loved to create, variously trying his hand at furniture, toys, custom tools, and landscaping among many MANY other things. He always had the right tool for the job, and if he didn’t, it wouldn’t be long before he did. He also loved to garden and to cook and to work on his vehicles and he always had time for a game of chess or scrabble. He loved the outdoors, the mountains, camping, hiking, and fishing.

He worked hard, took pride in learning a new craft, and held many jobs throughout his life. He went to school for and worked many years as an upholsterer. He learned to clean carpets with his father-in law and worked for a couple carpet cleaning companies over the years, eventually learning to install it too and shortly ran his own business doing just that. His last and favorite job was landscaping where he got to work outside, with plants, play in the dirt, build stuff, and learn new things every day.

Lynn loved his wife, children, and grandchildren, and Jesus too. And though he never had a fancy home or any wealth to speak of, his home was rich in love and laughter.

It was a great adventure. His family hopes he finds rest in Jesus and many new adventures in the next life.

Eulogy Read at Lynn’s Service

Friends, and family,

Today we gather not just to mourn, but to celebrate the vibrant life of Lynn Wilfred Van Etten. A life that touched, inspired, and brought smiles to those around him.

Born on January 31st, 1956, in the city of Denver, Lynn began his journey as the youngest amongst his siblings. With parents like Leo and Ruth, his childhood was strict, but it shaped a bond amongst the siblings of mutual support and understanding. Self-proclaimed as the “wild-child” of the family, Lynn had an determined spirit. He was never one to be restrained, always one to challenge, to question, to explore.

At the age of 26, Lynn's adventurous spirit led him to the love of his life, Cynthia, who he married in 1982, and because he loved her so much, again in 2019. Their new family grew fast, adding to Cynthia’s 2 children 2 more in 1982 and 1986 just before taking their 20-year vacation in California.

Lynn loved to create, trying his hand at furniture, toys, custom tools, and landscaping, among many MANY other things. He always had the right tool for the job, and if he didn’t, it wouldn’t be long before he did. He also loved to garden, to cook, and to work on his vehicles. His love for the outdoors was a testament to his free spirit. The mountains called out to him; camping, hiking, and fishing were not just hobbies but a way of life. And on a quieter day, you could always challenge him to a game of chess or scrabble, while he prepared for his competitive spirit to shine through.

He worked hard, took pride in learning a new craft, and held many jobs throughout his life. He went to school for and worked many years as an upholsterer. He learned to clean carpets with his father-in law and worked for a couple of carpet cleaning companies over the years. He eventually learned to install it as well and shortly ran his own business doing so. His last and favorite job was landscaping where he got to work outside with plants, play in the dirt, build stuff, and learn new things every day.

Lynn loved his wife, children, and grandchildren, and Jesus too. And though he never had a fancy home or any wealth to speak of, his home was rich in love and laughter.

Today, as we remember Lynn, we don't just recall the details of his life but the essence of the man. A wild child, a loving husband, a doting father, a creative spirit. It was a great adventure. His family believes he has found rest in Jesus and many new adventures in his new life.

His Journey’s Just Begun

By Ellen Brenneman

Don’t think of him as gone away

His journey’s just begun,

Life holds so many facets

this earth is only one.

Just think of him as resting

from the sorrows and the tears

in a place of warmth and comfort

where there are no days and years.

Think how he must be wishing

that we could know today

how nothing but our sadness

Can really pass away.

And think of him as living

in the hearts of those he touched…

for nothing loved is ever lost

and he was loved so much.