Obituary of Lynn A. Dornfeld

Lynn Ann Dornfeld died February 19, 2024 after a prolonged battle with reocurring breast cancer.  Our beloved Lynn passed away peacefully at home, without pain, surrounded by family.

Lynn’s family includes her sons, Keaghan and Reid Salisbury; her dad and mom Rick and Nancy Bywater Dornfeld, her sister Robin Dornfeld (Justin)Lindsey, niece Charlotte Lindsey and nephew Jack Lindsey.  Lynn was lovingly supported by many aunts, uncles, and cousins in many states.  She was preceded in death by her sister Emily Jane Dornfeld. 

Lynn was born in Winona, Minnesota on May 26, 1967.  She graduated from Fergus Falls, MN high school, with participation as a volleyball player, synchronized swimmer, diver; and as a multisport cheerleader.  In academics she reached the National Honor Society.  College followed, and Lynn earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN.  Lynn’s singing talent earned her a spot in the St. Olaf Choir.  A highlight for Lynn was the choir trip to Seoul, Korea as part of the 1988 Pre-Olympic Arts Festival.  After Seoul, Lynn joined other “Ole’s” on an overseas semester in Denmark.  It was during this time that Lynn was struck by a commuter train and suffered injuries that delayed college graduation for a year and left permanent impacts. 

Lynn moved to Iowa City in 2007, and was immediately surrounded by loving family members.  Beyond Iowa, she enjoyed periodic trips to the Oregon coast and skiing trips to Colorado.  She was a strong intermediate “three-track” skier.

In Iowa City, Lynn was an active member of St Marks United Methodist Church, Iowa City Eels Swim Club, Iowa City Chamber Singers, and Chapter OD of P.E.O.  She worked for nearly ten years with the Iowa City Community School District as a paraprofessional aide for students at several grade schools and at Iowa City High School. Lynn’s successful activity level would be pretty good for the average person, and exceptional considering the limitations imposed by her permanent injuries.

Lynn’s legacy is seen through the many lives that she touched with warmth, grace, and honest open friendship.  Our own hearts have been warmed by people who have reached out to our family with loving comments about how Lynn’s spirit and determination have been exemplary for them.

Here are memorials suggested by Lynn: the National Sports Center for the Disabled, 1801 Mile High Stadium Circle, Suite 1500, Denver, CO 80204. https://nscd.org/donate. The Iowa City Community School District Foundation, 1725 North Dodge St, Iowa City, Iowa 52245.  https://form-renderer-app.donorperfect.io/give/foundation-for-iowa-city-community-school-district/excellence-fund-form The St Olaf College Foundation, 1520 St. Olaf Avenue, Northfield, MN 55057.  https://stolaf.alumniq.com/giving/to/default      

A private family graveside service was conducted February 29th at Oakland Cemetery in Iowa City.  A celebration of Lynn’s life will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday May 4th, 2024 at the Iowa City Elks Club, followed by a reception from 3:00pm to 5:00pm at the same location, 637 Foster Road, Iowa City, Iowa.  Friends and family are invited to attend and to thankfully remember a beautiful life.  Please confirm your attendance by email to rickdornfeld1@gmail.com or by phone to Rick Dornfeld at 303.882.0423.