Lynn Wolf Gentzler: In Our Care ~ July 9, 2020
Categories: Obituaries
Lynn Wolf Gentzler
August 28, 1949 – July 9, 2020.
Lynn was born 28 August 1949 in St. Joseph, Missouri to Ralph David and Evlyn Bryson Wolf. She was raised in the Fairport and Santa Rosa, Missouri communities, attended Weatherby Elementary School and Maysville R-I High School where life-long friends were made. She received her bachelor’s degree in Education and her master’s degree in American History from University of Missouri-Columbia.
After working as a student intern, a Senior Manuscript Specialist, and Assistant Director at the Western Historical Manuscripts Collection for 17 years, Lynn moved to the State Historical Society of Missouri in 1990, where she served as Associate Editor and then Associate Director. After her retirement in 2014, Lynn then became Editor Emerita for the Missouri State Historical Review until her passing.
Lynn loved Missouri history. She loved to travel with her husband Steve, her family, and close friends. Traveling with Lynn inevitably meant that tours of cemeteries and state capitol buildings were added to the itinerary which led to much laughter and groaning from some of her less cultured traveling companions.
Time spent with her family involved reading, story telling, laughter, dancing, gingerbread boys, pumpkin bread, card games, and tea parties.
After college, high school sweethearts, Lynn and Steve were married on 28 December 1971. They resided in Columbia, MO for the entirety of their married life. Steve, their children, Corissa Ray (Adam) and Evan (Angela), and their grandchildren, Jakeb, Adalyn, and Genevieve Ray (of Columbia) survive. Also surviving are her brother, Larry Wolf (Carol Kay) of Amity, MO, and sister in law Deborah (Gentzler) Grace (David) of Laramie, WY along with nieces and nephews.
Due to COVID-19 safety concerns, traditional observances will not take place. A celebration of her life will be livestreamed at https://communityumc.net/livestream-worship on Saturday, August 22, 2020 at 5:00 pm. A private inurnment will be held at the Fairport (MO) Cemetery.
Memorials may be given through the Turner Family Funeral Home at www.TurnerFamilyFuneral.com (PO BOX 350, Maysville, MO 64469) to the Fairport Cemetery Association, the DeKalb County Historical Society, or the State Historical Society of Missouri.
Steve, Cori and Evan,
You are in my prayers! As you well know, your mother was a precious lady who never complained. I pray your hearts are filled with beautiful memories. I can only imagine how much you miss her already. May God richly bless each one of you with the love and peace that only he can provide. With love to all!
Sincere condolences on Lynn’s passing. May God give you comfort and peace.
My sincere deepest sympathy to you Steve!
My thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
I’m so sorry, you have to go through this. I’m sorry you lost your
Best friend your everything.
Please accept my condolences
To you and your family!
Christa Frederick
A great sadness passed over me upon learning of Lynn’s death from Gary Kremer. My long association with her at the State Historical Society made us friends and conspirators. She always gave thoughtful advice that even gave Goodrich pause. Steve and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Please accept my sincere condolences, and I regret not being able to tell you this in person.
She was the best. Whip smart and a great boss.
Much love & respect K
Dear Steve, Cori and Evan,
I have such fun memories of Lynn and the days we spent at Camp Woodland as counselors. It was a friendship that lasted through the years. Although we didn’t see each other often, it was like we had never been apart anytime we had an opportunity to meet up. Please accept my most heartfelt condolences at this difficult time. I am so sorry for your loss. Lynn was a very interesting person and loved her history. I have some fond memories of spending time in her parent’s farm, taking a ride in the surrey with fringe trim. Always admired her mom’s cookie jar collection. It is hardest on those of us left behind but I know she is with her Lord and Savior. It has to be wonderful there. Certainly no more suffering. My thoughts and sympathy to your family!