My sincere condolences to the family!

My son is a good friend of her son Keaghan

I met her in Iowa City when our kids were in school together and they became best friends.

I will always remember how nice and kind of a person she was to me and my son. Rest in peace you will always be in our hearts.

I was fortunate enough to coach Lynn for many years at the Iowa City Eels Masters practices. She always had a great attitude and faced every workout with a tenacity similar to my age-group athletes. I also appreciated her sense of humor on those early mornings and her generosity she showed to our club by helping with timing duties or pitching in with concessions or hospitality at local meets.

Lynn was a truly special soul. My family is very grateful to have known her and we are very sorry for your loss.

Donald P. Spellman

Head Coach - Iowa City Eels (1998 to 2020)

I was so sad to hear this news. Lynn was the very first person I met at St. Olaf. Moving-in day, Freshman year, I got in line at the check-in desk right behind Lynn. She was decked out all in denim: jeans and a jean jacket (with collar of jacket and shirt popped up, I believe - so 80s!). We introduced ourselves and chatted briefly in line. It was so nice to start off the college experience with a friendly encounter. Wishing all her family and friends peace at this sad time. RIP Lynn.

Dear Rick and Nancy, Robin, Keaghan and Reid

My sincere condolences for the your loss of your beloved mother, daughter and sister. Lynn was one of a kind, and your grief must be beyond comprehension.

I spent a year at St. Olaf during my sophomore year and became friends with Lynn through the choir. I met her again in Seoul during the choir’s tour there, as I had spent 3 months in Japan that summer and ended my travels by reuniting with choir members prior to the Olympics. Lynn was unique and has had a special place in a corner of my heart ever since, even though we lived virtually all our lives continents apart.

To lose a close family member, especially one still relatively young, must feel almost unfathomable. As life itself is, I suppose, when faced with existential questions or whatever meaningless shit it can throw at you. One’s faith can even be challenged, even tho Lynn seemed to cope well with most everything.

I have previously found consolation in a poem by Joseph Brodsky, an extract of which I have included below. I am not sure what it all means, other than that Christ’s answer to his grieving mother has given me peace in times of loss or when I have struggled to see the greater picture. Although the dialogue is imagined, I somehow feel that Jesus’ reply to his confounded mother is close to what the real Lord could have offered as a means to console Mary. If it can bring something to you as well, I will be glad.

From the last three stanzas, in George L. Kline‘s translation:

Mary now speaks to Christ:

‘Are you my son? – or God?

You are nailed to the cross.

Where lies my homeward road?

‘Can I pass through my gate

not having understood:

Are you dead? – or alive?

Are you my son? – or God?’

Christ speaks to her in turn:

‘Whether dead or alive,

woman, it’s all the same –

son or God, I am thine.’

With much love, compassion and gratitude,

Olav

1 am so sorry to hear about Lynn. I first remember Lynn when she.came.to.Cleveland Elementary. I think it was sixth grade. We grew up in church together. Going through Conformation at Grace United Methodist Church. Lynn was always so full of life and energy. And alway had a smile.on her face. Class of 85! Prayers and love to her family.

Lynn Dornfeld will always be an inspiration to me. I believe I first met her at her sister Robin’s wedding which was not long after her accident. I was obvious then that nothing could deter her love of life and her compassion for people. I recall many years later belaying her at the REi climbing wall in Denver. People watching were in awe of this person climbing a difficult route with one leg. Not surprising for Lynn Dornfeld. She will always be in my thoughts. Love to you Lynn and your wonderful family. Joe Creber

I got to know Lynn while occasionally babysitting her boys when they were little. Such a kind, encouraging, amazing and strong woman. She is already so deeply missed. Prayers and love to the family and especially the boys. From Maria (Teets) Pivnicka.

I remember Lynn for her passion and “spunkiness.” I moved to Fergus Falls before starting my sophomore year at high school and she became a good friend. The class of ‘85 was a close bunch. We all truly were good friends. Many of us were home on a long weekend break when we heard of Lynn’s train accident. I remember her friends all gathering at our house … praying for her, telling stories and waiting to hear updates on her.

If anyone would approach life with an extraordinary passion and grace my money would have been on Lynn. The fact that she worked as a para helping and loving kids in that manner was a true gift.

You are an angel in heaven. But missed here on earth. I love you Lynn.

As one of Lynn's high school teachers I sure remember that sweet smile and disposition. We are lifting you in prayer Nancy and Rick.

I’m very sorry for your loss. My thoughts & sympathies go out to the family during this sad time. I graduated w/ Lynn & will always remember her kindness & sweet smile. May you find comfort in cherished memories. R.I.P. Lynn

I first met Lynn when we moved to Fergus Falls in 1985. She was about 17 at the time. We became close friends with Rick and Nancy and three years later were devastated along with all of Lynn's friends and family when the news arrived that she had suffered a terrible accident while in Germany. Thankfully she survived and thanks to the care of her doctors, and the love and care of her family she went on to a living full life, making the absolute best of a very challenging ensuing thirty six years. The Coleman family was heartbroken when we heard the news of her passing, but we can be assured that Lynn is now in a better place, and with her sister Emily. Love to the Dornfeld's, John Coleman and family

Lynn was so kind and I am glad I got to know her through Chamber Singers of Iowa City. We missed her at rehearsal last night.

I got to sing with Lynn in high school in the choir and chamber singers as well as play in the wind ensemble and pep band. I will always remember her and Kevin Kjellerup singing Sentimental Journey in the pops concert dedicated to the Andersons. I don't think I ever saw her without a smile. Very sorry for your loss.

Greg Worner

FFHS class of '86

I swam with the Eels for a few years and became friends with Lynn. She was such a wonderful person and it was really inspiring how she dealt with her set-backs always with a smile and positive attitude. Thinking of her and her family. Rest in peace dear Lynn.

Gutted and sad to have lost Lynn. I remember one time, it must have been Jr High? and in gym class we had a swim session and of course - the horror - nobody wanted to get their hair wet and go back to classes! I was jumping on the diving board, lost my balance and tried to hurl myself at the side pool ladder to avoid getting my hair wet and made a complete fool of myself. We laughed so hard that day.

I am so sorry for your loss but know she will always be remembered. ~Sarah Hefte

Rest in peace my dear, dear Lynn. I’m so glad I got to know a beautiful woman like you. Your constant kindness, tact, perseverance, and immense courage were so inspiring . The courage you had, facing every adversity the world presented to you, commanded everyone’s respect and admiration around you, and you sure got mine. You were younger than me, and yet such a role model I looked up to. You were an outstanding human being and I feel blessed to have known you. You will always have a special place in my heart. Rest in peace my friend, you will be missed.

So sorry about Lynn. I found a scripture I like to share at JW.org, Acts 24:15, "there is going to be a resurrection," I wish your family the very best for the future.

I had the privilege of swimming with and coaching Lynn for the last few years. Through it all, she smiled. Her smile is an inspiration to me. I cherished each day that I coached her. She was always grateful for my help in the pool, would never stop to take a rest at the wall, and would almost always be the first one in the water even at 6:15am. She will forever be missed.

Sending our condolences to Lynn's family. We knew Keegan the best, as he played lots of baseball in our backyard as a young child with Nathan and Ashley. So sad to see this. Thinking of you all.

My dear, sweet Lynard Skynard, (not sure how I came to call you that but it was the only name I used), my heart is broken with the news of your passing. You were always such a loving, friendly and kind person. You were always the level headed one in the group. I cherish the memories of all of the years that we cheered together. So much laughter, so much fun. I could always talk to you about anything, you never judged. What I wouldn’t give for another long talk in your backyard, or while making locker posters and signs for the next game. I have a hard time picturing life knowing you’re not with us anymore. We will meet again and we will rejoice. Until then, please watch out for us that are left behind. I’m sure my dad has already found you up there, he always loved you too. Love you dear friend. So glad you are free of all your pain. No one deserves that more than you do. Paula Schoon Sedler

Ohhh I am so sorry to hear this news. What an incredible person Lynn was. I had the gift of spending summers with Lynn way back in the late 1980’s life guarding at the Edina Pool. We became fast friends - and sealed the deal as I watched her grow from a beautiful young college student into a brave giant tackling all the challenges that came her way via the accident abroad. I remember recoding the song “Summer Guarding” and playing it for her at Sister Kinney as she fought back to full strength. I can’t think of many times I didn’t see the sparkle in her eyes and the smile on her face. No matter what she was carrying herself - Lynn always had encouraging words to share with others. And now- she is dancing, (or skiing) with all the joy in the world in heaven! Amen and amen!

Dear, sweet Lynn- I’m trying to remember what year your lovely family moved to Fergus? Pretty sure I met you at Cleveland School & I must have latched right on to you as I remember playing with you a few times at your (red?) house on Alta Vista & also at Lake Alice. I remember praying for you, along with the whole town, after your accident & also visiting you at Dakota Hospital after you came home. Our friendship was very casual but after reconnecting at our 20 year reunion(I remember you brought your sister with you), we kept in touch off & on over the years since; discussing divorces, our cancer battles, kids, other classmates). Sadly, the last time we touched base was shortly after you were diagnosed (again) Lynn, you were always someone who made others smile just by the mention of your name. Your aura was off the charts…you emanated JOY! You had the kindest eyes, a stunning smile, you were friendly, honest, trustworthy, a friend to all, compassionate, full of grace & beautiful inside & out! My deepest condolences to you family & the many who loved you.

God speed, beautiful one!

I had the pleasure of exploring the mountains with Lynn. She would ski until we were frozen making beautiful turns. She never wanted to stop! We were able to paddle board in the summer surround by people we love. I am hoping you and Kati are skiing your brains out in perfect snow and bluebird skies. You will be missed by our family!

I remember when Lynn transferred to Cleveland Elementary in Fergus Falls. I clearly remember her wearing a baby blue track suit to the all-elementary school track meet, and my 6th grade mind thought “this girl is a super star.” She was all smiles since I met her. When she had the major accident in Germany in 1988, I was studying in Scotland. My parents mailed me the clipping from the Fergus Falls Daily just before a trip to Paris. I lit a candle and prayed for Lynn at Notre Dame. I lit a prayer candle at a grotto in Key West the day before Lynn died and told a friend this story. I had just texted Lynn two weeks prior. She planned to beat cancer. I did not know how sick she was. I am heartbroken. Like many of her classmates, I feel guilt for not having taken another moment to see her. I loved her and I grieve her passing. She was a significant human who shined her light big and bright.

I met Lynn in 2012 when we were both going through a divorce. We both loved music and I introduced her to Chamber Singers of Iowa City and became a member shortly after. She sang in the choir until she passed. We laughed together, cried together, ate, drank and watched movies together. What I’ll miss most is our easy conversations and her beautiful spirit.