Lynn Marie Ness

Lynn Ness, 57, of Pine Island, died on Friday, June 18, 2021.

Lynn was born in Independence, IA on July 20th 1963 of mother Lois Holst and Roger Holst. She was the 2nd oldest child of seven children. Her siblings oldest to youngest were Jean, Brian, Jeff, Bob, Sarah, and Brenda.

She grew up on a family farm where she learned the meaning of working hard, and the importance of family and love.  At the age of 17 she moved to Milwaukee, WI where she attended Patricia Stevens Career College. She then chose to move in with her sister Jean in Rochester, MN while seeking work. It was there, by a stroke of fate, she met her future husband Ron Ness. After four years of dating she chose to marry him on April 20th, 1985. They lived in Rochester for a short time then moved to a quiet small town of Pine Island, MN where they raised three children Krista, Jake, and Lauren.

As time went on she chose many career paths including homeschooling her own children until the youngest reached the start of 2nd grade, caring for other children as a daycare provider, teaching the story of god as a Sunday School teacher and Vacation Bible School Teacher, serving children their meals as a lunch lady at Pine Island Elementary School. She then worked at the grocery store and Stamps by Judith as a print press operator, and most recently was the head of Environmental Services at Pine Haven Nursing home where she cared deeply for the residents who loved her.

She was a strong, loving, and caring individual who put the needs of others first. Several of the workers in her department said, "You are the best boss I have ever had." Her  youngest daughter (age about nine) asked her what she wanted to be when she grew up and she responded with, " I just want to be a really great mom." That she was. This was the greatest path she had chosen as she guided her kids through life. Her kids grew up and started families of their own with grandchildren whom she cared deeply for.

There wasn't a day that went by that Lynn did not have a thought, a care, or a kind word to give someone to let them know that someone cared. She taught those around her the meaning of love, compassion, honesty, and forgiveness. If someone was going through a difficult time she would tell them to pray about it because God is always listening and he answers.

Things she loved to do were go for walks, have discussions, Knit, bowl, do crafts, read books, porch time (on the farm and at their home in Pine Island), garden and plant flowers (she was great at making everything more beautiful), host holiday celebrations, fort making with grandkids, take trips, go on adventures, go hiking, rock-hunting, camping, have bonfires, she absolutely loved playing games with friends and family and was super competitive (She always played her high cards first in 500", cooking/baking (she was an amazing chef) she really loved going to Good News Church, and what was most important to her is spending as much time as she could with family. She loved all of them and they all deeply loved her. As she was the most encouraging of people she would tell others one of her favorite bible verses (one of which she taped to the medicine cabinet and told her kids to rehearse daily) Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Lynn is survived by her husband; three children; her mother; sister, Jean (Hodges), and brothers, Brian Holst and wife
Teri (Truwe); Bob Holst and wife Heidi (Olejniczak).

She was preceded in death by her sisters, Brenda and Sarah; her brother Jeff; and her father, Roger.
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Here are a few verses the family would like to share in remembrance of Lynn

Joshua 1:9
"Be strong and courageous
Do not be afraid
Do not be discouraged
for the lord your god will be with you wherever you go."

Isaiah 40:31
"But they who wait for the lord shall renew their strength
They shall mount up with wings lie eagles. They shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not be faint."

Deutoronomy 31:8
"It is the lord who goes before you; He will be with you, he will not fail you or forsake you; do not fear or be dismayed."

Memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 24, 2021, at Cornerstone Baptist Church in Pine Island with Reverend Eric Johnson officiating. Visitation will be from 4 until 7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 23, 2021, at the Mahn Family Funeral Home, Mahler Chapel and one hour prior to the service at the church.