Arlene Lynes

Arlene R. Lynes, 93, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at Thornton Manor in Lansing, IA. Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 29th, at 11:00 AM at Center Baptist Church in rural Lansing with Pastor Matthew Majewski officiating and visitation starting at 10:00 AM; interment will be at Willow Lawn Cemetery in Plainfield, IA, at 3:30 PM. Thornburg-Grau Funeral Home in Lansing is handling arrangements. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Parkinson's Association.

Arlene Ruth (Griffin) Lynes was born October 2, 1931, in Charles City, IA. She was the oldest daughter of nine children born to Edward and Florence (Hanson) Griffin. After graduating from Immaculate Conception High School of Charles City, Arlene worked in Charles City at Lindeman Dairy and in Manitowoc, WI. On January 3, 1950, she married Alvin Leroy Lynes of Plainfield, IA. They enjoyed 54 years of marriage and had four children: Gregg Leroy, James Jay, Angela Rae, and Alvin "Bill" William.

They moved to Cedar Falls in 1957, and to Independence in 1961. Arlene graduated from the University of Northern Iowa in 1974 with a B.A. in business education and worked for the Iowa state employment office. Arlene and Al relocated to Lansing in 1977, and built their home overlooking the Mississippi River. Mrs. Lynes taught at the Seneca High School in Wisconsin, retiring in 1991.

Arlene had a strong faith and a deep love for her Heavenly Father and her Savior Jesus Christ. She was an active member while at Independence First Baptist Church and in Lansing at Center Baptist Church of Village Creek. She served as the chair of the Women's Missionary Society, pulpit committee member, and as church clerk and co-chair of the 150th celebration of Center Baptist. She also chaired the Chautauqua Literary Club, was a girl scout leader, volunteered at the Lansing Library, was a Lansing Main Street volunteer, a Lioness, and received the President's Volunteer Service Award.

Arlene loved to spend time with her family. She was an avid golfer and bridge player and enjoyed hobbies including playing piano, singing, fishing, antiquing, scrapbooking, baking, reading, spinning yarn, and making ceramics and other handcrafted items as gifts and to decorate her home. Arlene enjoyed traveling to all 50 states and Canada, Mexico, Venezuela, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Scotland, and Ireland several times.

Arlene is survived by three of her children: Angie Lynes of Harrodsburg, KY, Jim (Cathy) Lynes of Mauston, WI, and Gregg (Sue Ann) Lynes of Runnels, IA; seven grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; sister Phyllis; brother Jess; and numerous nephews and nieces. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Al in 2004; son Bill; sister Margaret; and brothers: Raymond, Lyle, Everett, Lawrence, and Harold.

Casketbearers are her grandchildren: Apryl Lynes Sweat, Ryan James Lynes, Gracie Lynes Hansen, Kristin Marie Lynes, Cody Lewis Nolin, Sean Alvin Nolin, and John Logan Lang.

Honorary casketbearers are Colette Foster, Megan Enyart, Phyllis Steiber, Marilyn Larson, Elinor Emerson, and Jan Stute.