Lynn Guenther-Alexander
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Lynn Ann Guenther-Alexander was born Valentine’s Day, February 14, 1963 in Jefferson, Iowa to John & Norma Guenther. She passed away December 14, 2013 after a long, courageous battle with breast cancer.
Lynn graduated from Lawrence High School, the University of Kansas, and continued her education at Neosho County School of Nursing.
In 1991, Lynn married Jim Alexander. They have two children, Sydney and Zachary. Her children’s activities were a strong priority in her life. She was always in attendance, cheering from the sidelines.
She worked as a registered nurse at Lawrence Memorial Hospital for 23 years. She always cared for her patients with a calmness that conveyed her compassion and genuine concern.
She loved to travel, always planning the next adventure. In November 2012, she and her friend participated in the Susan G. Komen 3-day, 60 Mile Walk, raising money for breast cancer research. She walked 20 miles per day for 3 days while on chemotherapy, finishing all 60 miles.
Lynn will be missed by her entire family, husband Jim Alexander and children Sydney and Zach, sisters, Jane Guenther Buss (Matt) of Overland Park, and Susan Guenther Brown of Lawrence, her mother Norma Guenther Waddell (Jerry) of Emporia, nieces and nephews Joshua and Ella Buss, Ben and Olivia Brown, as well as all her friends, neighbors, and co-workers. Lynn was preceded in death by her father, John Guenther.
Through her fight with cancer, she was always upbeat and continued to put others before herself. She was able to find the humor in life, the joy of simple things and brought a smile to all of those around her.
A memorial service will be held Thursday, December 19th at 4:00 at the United Methodist Church, 946 Vermont Street, Lawrence, KS. Immediately following the service, a Celebration of Life will take place at 23rd Street Brewery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in Lynn’s honor to the Lawrence Memorial Hospital Endowment Association, in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W 13th Street, Lawrence, Kansas 66044-3402.
Lynn had a special place in my heart. It was a joy to work with her for many years. I am so sorry for your loss. You will be in my prayers.
Jim,
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I hold Lynn, close to my heart for being such a fun, loving, supporting co worker on 2 medical way back when. My condolences to you and your family. Please let Syd know that she can contact me anytime.
Andrea
Everything about Lynn radiated joy. I am blessed to have known her. I will always be here for those 2 sweet kids.
Jim,
Our condolences for your loss. Lynn was a very special lady and will always be in our hearts. Our prayers are with you and your family.
We love you all. We are tremendously sad wish we had more years with Lynn. Beautiful, sweet and perfect. There just aren’t words . Dave, Marilee, Elise and Eva
My deepest sympathy to Lynn’s family. Lynn and I went to school together from grade school through high school. She was a sweetheart. I’ll never forget the fun times that we had at slumber parties she hosted and various school activities. Your family are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Jim, Sydney and Zach: My heart aches for you all. You are in our prayers.
Rev 21:4 “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
We hold the Guenther family and the Alexander family close to our hearts in this time of loss and sadness. Lynn lived an exemplary life and shared her talent and her joy with so many people.
Her husband and her children will be surrounded by love and attention from so many who knew and respected Lynn. My heart goes out to Lynn because I know she would rather be here, alive and well, and helping others. We should, on her behalf, be kinder and more generous to others. To her mother, Norma, and to her sisters, Susan and Jane, we wish you comfort in knowing that you were a close and loving family for Lynn, and now you are that for one another, for her children and for her husband. We are thinking of you.
Jim and family, Mark and I are so sorry for your loss. We are praying for your comfort and peace at this time.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of Lynn’s family and relatives, and in particular, a special prayer for Susan, her dear sister. May you be comforted during these times and hold close to your heart the beautiful memories of your sister.
I am so sorry for you loss. I had worked with Lynn at LMH and enjoyed her enthusiasm.
Kim Dietz-Steffen
We are so sorry for your loss, Norma. We know your girls and grandchildren mean everything to you. We hold you and your family in our hearts and in our prayers.
Jackie and Russell
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. Lynn was a special person. We went through school together from grade school to high school. I will always remember her smile and her laugh. She will be missed.
I know there are no words to relief the pain in your heart, but believe death comes to give piece to the one who suffers. (Author unknown). Jim please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
I worked with Lynn at LMH for many years. Lynn was an exceptional nurse. She was always cheerful and kind. Even during her long battle with breast cancer, she thought of others first. She will be dearly missed by her many colleagues and friends at LMH. Heartfelt condolences to all of Lynn’s family.
Lynn was someone easy to love. We worked together as nurses on 2 med. for a long time. I always knew her to be very competent, kind and caring with her patients. I felt I could trust her. I ‘m sure she has many friends and family who will miss her terribly. My heart goes out to all of you. Lynn fought the battle with dignity. I’m very pleased to have known her.
I went to high school with Lynn, and we had lots of fun times. We kept in touch and would see each other “out on the town,” and then later, Lisa Bell and I hosted a shower for both Lynn and Hope LaShier when they were both first pregnant. 🙂 We lost touch when I moved away and reconnected when I came back to Lawrence several years ago. Her smile and laugh were infectious! And she gave both of my parents such loving care when they had to have surgeries and gave me a lot of emotional support while I was there with them. She will be missed by many.
Lynn helped train me as a new nurse ten years ago and made a strong impression on me. My condolences to your family! You’re all in my prayers!
To Norma and family of Lynn. I am at a loss for words as I know Lynn went through so much with dignity as someone mentioned and she was a beautiful person being the daughter of John and Norma Guenther. Her parents were both beautiful souls and even tho I didn’t know Lynn that well….I have followed her illness and all one can do is now is know that she is with her Father, John in Heaven and with our Holy Father. She will always live on through her children and any grandchildren in the future. Like her Mom and Dad she was a beautiful lady and brillant and kind and loving. I am so sorry to hear of her loss. (I am a friend of Norma’s)
Jean Kaye Cook
We are so sorry for your loss. Lynn was an incredible person – We got to know her more a few years ago while at LMH. Her warm, caring personality was a comfort to us. She was someone that we could “connect” with very very easily – especially when we discussed our best thoughts about you, Norma, and John – when Fred & he were at KU. Lynn had a profound effect on many people and will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Lynn always had a beautiful smile and wonderful laugh! I have known her the entire time she worked at LMH. She was a wonderful
person. She never had a cross word about anybody. I will miss you
sweet Lynn
Carol Langston
I worked with Lynn for many years on 2nd Medical. Lynn was an incredible nurse and one of my favorites to work with. She alway had a fabulous smile and laugh. She made work fun, because she was wonderful to be around. My thoughts and prayers are with all of Lynn’s family, she will be greatly missed.
My life has been truly blessed to have known and work beside Lynn at LMH on 2nd medical. Even when we changed departments, I loved running into her within the hospital or out in the community. She always treated you as her best friend. Lynn was an awesome nurse and coworker who was always kind towards others and very thoughtful. My thoughts and prayers go to her family and all of her friends. She definitely has a special place in my heart. Her love of life, her laugh and smiles were truly infectious.
I have known Lynn since she graduated from nursing school and she was one of the kindest and sweetest people I’ve ever met. I worked with her at LMH and she was a great nurse! Her upbeat attitude and contagious smile always cheered both her peers and patients alike. She expressed often how much her family/children meant to her. My deepest sympathy to her family. I will hold you in my heart and in my prayers. I hope the wonderful memories you have of Lynn will sustain you during this very difficult time.
Zach, we are very sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Jared and Carrie Fangman
Lynn was a wonderful nurse at LMH, she was always smiling and willing to help out others in need. She was a burst of sunshine everythime I saw her, and will be greatly missed by all.
I have had the priviledge to work with Lynn on/off for the past 20+ years at LMH. Our career paths seemed to always cross, most recently in the Surgery department. Lynn’s abilities were many and far reaching … she could be calm in a crisis and put you at ease with that wonderful sense of humor. We rarely walked away from one another that we didn’t share a laugh! A few years ago I discovered that Lynn and I also shared a fondness for western boots… she loved her Old Gringos!
But most of all she loved her family. She will be missed by so many. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dianna Swatsenbarg
Dear Sydney,
My heart goes out to you and to your family. Although my contact with your mother was just through LHS girls’ soccer when you were on the team, I could see that she was a very loving, involved parent because you are a very kind, loving, and responsible person. May your memories give you comfort and strength.
Donna Falkenstien
LHS Girls’ Soccer “Mom Manager” 2011-2013
We only new this courageous girl through her mother, Norma. We are so sorry for her entire family – – God has received an Angel and we have lost one. Her mother painted such a vivid picture of both of Lynn’s sisters and the close companionship the four of them shared. Lynn will be sorely missed, but the memories of Lynn will always dwell in the hearts of those who loved her. Our sympathy to all – – you all fought a courageous battle.
Lynn will we missed! We are lucky to have been neighbors for a short time, but enjoying seeing Lynn’s smiling face as she and Jim walked by daily. We will keep the Alexander family in our thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Justin and Jean Anderson
We are so sorry for your loss. We worked with Lynn on 2nd medical for many years and she was always positive and caring. She will be missed greatly. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Jim,
We’re so sorry for your loss and will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Hold on to the happy memories old friend, for they will sustain you for a long time.
Take care,
Scott & Elizabeth
Dear Jim and family:
Please accept my heartfelt condolences. I am so sorry for your loss. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Renee Peacock-Manor
Jim – So very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Jim, Syd and Zack –
I am so sorry for your loss. Your Mom was truly one of a kind, she will be greatly missed. I’m sorry I couldn’t make it home for the funeral.
Jake and Nicole
Dear Jim, Syd & Zach; When I heard this news from afar… I was shocked to say the least. Lynn was my friend, co – worker and my side line soccer buddy for many years! She had a beautiful smile and incredible energy. I will always remember her and the love she shared with the rest of us.. I am sorry your time together was not near long enough. I will remember you and your family in prayer.
Norma, Jim and family, we were so sorry to hear about Lynn, It was so nice to have been neighbors with you and your family. Lynn has blessed so many lives and our too. Love and prayers to you all.
Jim, Sydney, and Zach-
Lynn will be missed by many but the people she touched both in her professional life and her personal one will never forget her.
She was everything a great nurse should be: intelligent, caring, professional. And she was a great friend to many – including me.
Jim, Sydney, and Zach:
I am so sorry for your loss. Your wife and mother was a great gal. Please know that she touched the lives of many people in such different and special ways. One of the best neighbors ever! Please contact me if you every need *anything*. Hope to see you soon and please hang in there.
Kristi & kids
My prayers and sympathies to Lynn’s family. She was a wonderful person and will be truly missed.
Lori Ann Pearson (Lyles)
Lynn’s love of family and life was evident in the smile on her face and the way she devoted herself.It was an honor to work with her on 2 med. I will miss seeing her around the hospital. My prayers are with you. May you have peace and know she loves you all very much.
Jami
My deepest condolences to Lynn’s family. (I am a friend of Norma’s) I had planned to be at the service today- but woke up with a sore throat etc. Norma, I especially wanted to be there to give you a hug. I looked for you recently at Pat LaShier’s funeral – but missed you. I will keep all of you in thoughts and prayers.
Always, always in our hearts <3 we love you Lynn, beautiful woman <3
To Lynn Guenther Alexander’s husband, children, mother and sisters. My sincere sympathy to all of you in the loss of Lynn. I have known the Guenther family for years, as we lived in the same neighborhood, on the same block throughout the children’s school days–elementary through high school. Lynn and my son were classmates. My thoughts and prayers are with you. God bless you.
The only way we can go forward is to remember how Lynn would have handled this. You were one Brave , strong women. We will miss you and forever keep you in our hearts!
Moreno Family
Dear Sydney, Zach, and Family,
Your mom reminds me of sunshine…always giving light and warmth to all. I had another surgery today in St. Louis and am so sorry to miss the Celebration for her. I had the amazing experience to know Lynn as an exceptional parent as your teacher; as an excellent nurse whom took care of Bob and myself; as cancer patients we encouraged each other. Your mom is such an inspiration and a woman if many talents. Most of all she gave the world the two of you. Hugs to each of you … Hope to see you soon and hugs!
Love, Terri Dugan
Jim, Sydney and Zach, we are so sorry for your loss. Lynn was such a warm, kind, wonderful person. May you find peace and strength in one another. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jim:
So very sorry to hear of the loss of your dear wife.
My prayers are with you and your children as you grieve.
Holly Linker