"Sheila and Tim I can not tell you how sad and completely shocked I was when I stumbled across TereseAnn's obituary in the Kerrville Daily Times. My whole heart goes out to you, your family and most of all to Levi. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. "
In loving memory of
TereseAnn Lynch
November 11, 2009
In lieu of flowers, the Iowa Air National Guard has set up a memorial fund for Tereseann Lynch's son Levi.
You can mail donations to:
Chief Master Sgt. Mark Louw
132nd Fighter Wing
3100 McKinley Avenue
Des Moines, Iowa 50321
Interment: St. John's Catholic Cemetery, Bancroft, Iowa with military honors conducted by Offutt Air Force Base Honor Guard, Omaha, Nebraska.
TereseAnn Marie Lynch was born December 7, 1978 in Fairmont, MN daughter of Tim and Sheila (Richards) Lynch. She grew up in the Garner and Duncan area graduating from Garner-Hayfield High School in 1998. TereseAnn attended Kirkwood College, graduated from NIACC in Mason City and obtained her bachelor's degree at Iowa State in 2003.
Family, along with serving as a Technical Sergeant in the Iowa Air National Guard, was always dear to TereseAnn's heart. She had family members that fought for this country, and TereseAnn carried on that family legacy. She went on to serve three tours of duty oversees, most recently coming in 2008 when she was deployed to Iraq. It was something she always held in the highest of regards. She also cherished the time she spent with her family, especially her son, Levi, who was born March 31, 2009. During her best times and during her worst times, Levi was her source of strength. He was the one that kept her upbeat and the one that kept her going. Whatever life held in store, she always made sure he was her top priority.
TereseAnn worked in the field of family services for the past 10 years most recently for the Department of Human Services in Des Moines. She was an avid runner and enjoyed the outdoors and loved spending time with friends and family above all else.
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TereseAnn is survived by her son Levi; her mother, Sheila Lynch of Kerrville, TX; her father and step-mother, Tim and Pauline Lynch of Duncan; a sister, Kathleen Hill and her partner Tracie of Austin, TX, two brothers, Michael Lynch of Ames, and Richard Lynch and Rachel Ruppert of Garner; and her nieces and nephews, Blake, Zachary, and Kacie. She is also survived by a step-sister, April Henn and her husband Tyler of Buffalo Center; a step-brother, Charlie Goll of Dows; step-nephews, Clayton and Ethan; her maternal grandmother, Marcyl Ferguson, of Aurora, CO; her aunts and uncles, Duane Richards of Crowley, TX, Keith Richards of White Sands, NM, Gina Richards of Austin, TX, Mary Menke and her husband Don of Indianola, Ellen Schiltz and her husband Rob of Urbandale, Teresa Geitzenauer and her husband Jim of Mason City, Anne Vaske and her husband David of Urbandale, and Carol Patterson of Fairmont, MN; as well as many cousins and special friends.
She was preceded in death by a brother, Lawrence Edward in infancy; her maternal grandfather, George Richards; and her paternal grandparents, Robert and Florence Lynch.
Tributes
"I did not know ThereseAnn but I convey my deepest sympathies to your family. I am a survivor of domestic abuse. I also had a no contact order against my husband. Two months after the courts decided the order was no longer necessary, he attacked me in the middle of the night. I understand what your family is going through. I saw an article in the Globe Gazette that said you want to have the laws changed. I agree wholeheartedly. The District Attorney prosecuting my husbands case said that if it was a complete stranger that had attacked me the sentence could be as many as 25 years but because he was still my husband (the divorce was not final at that time) the most he could be sentenced to was 2 years. He served 60 days. Laws regarding domestic violence need to be changed. I agree they need to be proactive. If there is anything I can do to help you in your effort to get these laws changed. Please do not hesitate to contact me. My phone number is 641-257-8271 and my mailing address is 809 Pleasant St, Osage, IA 50461. Again, my deepest sympathies to you and may ThereseAnn live on in your hearts and memories forever."
"You all are in my thoughts and prayers during this tragic time. I did not know Tereseann personally but she and my daughter, Karla Glidden, were in the 132nd Fighter Wing together. We have photos of the two of them last deployment to Iraq....what a beautiful person she was. Karla is in Iraq as I write or we would have come to meet you personally. Please know that each day is made easier for you and one day everyone will be together in Heaven. God Bless and keep you. Sincere sympathy, Karen Allen"
"To All of TereaeAnn's Family, We are so saddened by the tragic loss of such a beautiful young loving woman. We've been gone from Garner for such a long time now but have such happy memories of TereseAnn. She and Erin had such happy times together. We are so blessed to have had her in our lives for such a short time. She left footprints on our hearts with those beautiful eyes and that unforgetable smile. TereseAnn has a new mission and assignment now and I know she will be carrying that out in Heaven with the same passion and diligence as she did so well here. I've seen so many tributes to her dedication and honor over the past several days that I hope in some small way, if only for a second right now, will help to ease your pain. We will keep the HAPPY memories as you requested Sheila and will remember TereseAnn and all of you in our prayers and special Masses of remembrance. "
"No words can express the sadness I feel for the loss of TereseAnn. I served with her in the Iowa Air Guard and had the pleasure of spending time with such a sweet person creating memories I'll never forget. My most heartfelt condolences go to Levi and the rest of her family as well as her Guard family. "
"To the family of another brave soldier...TheresaAnn, As a mom to another solider who was deployed to Iraq, I want to send you hugs and my prayers. I feared what has happened in your family, every day my son was there. I want to thank you for instilling in your daughter, the pride of her country and the bravery to fight for our freedoms. May God surround you with loving care and the ability and strength to have your daughter live on thru the miracle of her son, Levi. "
"To the family, friends and loved ones of Tereseann: I know that this is among the most difficult days of your lives and no words can express how deeply sorry I feel for your loss. I am thankful a part of Tereseann will always be with you in that precious baby, and also in the memories and love you have for her. My prayers are with you today and everyday... "
"Teresann came to Ankeny with Levi even as he was a small infant to watch her step son play baseball while Randy coached. The entire team got to know her and the baby; in that short time we could all tell she was a nice person with a very big heart. We are all shocked and sad to hear of this horrible loss. May God love and comfort you in the days ahead. "
"To the family, friends and loved ones of Tereseann: I know that this is among the most difficult days of your lives and no words can express how deeply sorry I feel for your loss. I am thankful a part of Tereseann will always be with you in that precious baby, and also in the memories and love you have for her. My prayers are with you today and everyday... "
"Words cannot express how sorry we are for the lose of your precious daughter. We love you so much. You have our prayers and support during this extremely difficult time. We are here for you, whatever you need. Love from Todd, Melissa, Ryan, and Vincent"
"Words cannot express the loss we all are feeling. TereseAnn was a beautiful, remarkable woman and an unbelieveable, loving mother to Levi. May God hold her in his arms and blanket young Levi in His love. We lost a great person and memories will replace the pain we feel. I wish I could be there, but we are where she was at a year ago, continuing to protect our freedoms that she protected. She's is watching over all of us now, especially Levi again protecting us. God Bless you and thank you for allowing us to be a part of your life if only for a moment.......Charlie Leonard"
"I had the privilege of caring for Levi at his daycare. TereseAnn was one of the kindest and happiest parents that I have come to know. She would always make Levi giggle and would never leave without a soft goodbye. Her smile will live on through him. She will forever be in our hearts. We love you Levi!!!"
"Tim & Sheila, My heartfelt sympathy. God grand you peace and acceptance. Dan and I have a daughter born just after Teresa in January and she now lives just blocks away from the place where she died. Words fail me at the moment...but, I know that Jesus will embrace your baby. God bless her giving soul and protect her baby on this earth. Love and prayers to you and your families."
"Thoughts and prayers are with the Lynch family and extended family at this sad time. I wish I could have known Teresaann.......I remember her dad, and her aunts and I knew her grandparents, she came from a very strong family and I know with the grace of God you all will get through this! I pray that someday her son, Levi, will know what a wonderful person his mom was and how brave she was. Lynch family........you are in my thoughts and prayers, may God give you peace! "
"Tim, I want to send my deepest sympathy to you and your family. This is a very difficult time but I want you to know you are in our thoughts and prayers."
"Kay, Michael and Richard, I just wanted to say that my heart is with you all and your families. I still remember you all as my brothers and sisters. I will never forget all of the wonderful times we all had with TereseAnn and how happy and caring she always was. We will miss her greatly. Love, Marshall, Lauren and Zachary Pyle"
"Although I never knew Tereseann I would like to offer my deepest condolences on the tragic loss of your loved one. My sister was murdered 30 years ago this month and I understand the pain your hearts are feeling at this time. Time will heal but the loss will forever be there. Tereseann sounds like she was a wonderful person and hopefully you will be able to take comfort in the fact that she will always be in your hearts and by your side. Levi will also bring comfort as he is a part of his mother. I will keep you in my prayers for support and healing. Sincerely, Mary Lee Donnelly-Glumac Des Moines, Iowa "
"Our sincere sympathies to the family and friends. This is a tragedy that haunts all of us, because we know that so much was done to prevent it and yet he could not be stopped. May God provide the answers and the comfort you need in the days before you through His peace and through the people of His flock. "
"My heart and prayers go out to the Lynch family. I had the privilige of being TeresaAnn's preschool teacher and I can still remember her warm smile and gentle, quite nature. She will be missed terribly."
"I DIDNT KNOW TERESAANN,OR ANY OF YOUR FAMILY,BUT I WOULD LIKE YOU TO KNOW MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH ALL OF YOU. TERESAANN LOOKED LIKE SUCH A BEAUTIFUL,PLEASANT,AND KIND HEARTED PERSON. I KNOW THIS HAS GOT TO BE A VERY SAD TIME FOR ALL OF YOUR FAMILY. KEEP YOU HEADS HIGH AND GIVE THE BABY LOTS OF LOVE AND ATTENTION AND WHEN HE IS OLD ENOUGH TO UNDERSTAND, BE SURE TO TELL HIM WHAT A GREAT HERO HIS MOM WAS,SERVING 3 TIMES FOR OUR COUNTRY. I WATCHED THE LIVE COVERAGE OF THE STORY ON THE TV THE NIGHT THIS HAPPENED, I WAS SO UPSET I SET DOWN AND CRIED MYSELF. I WAS GLAD TO HEAR THERE WAS CLOSE RELITIVES THAT ARE TAKING CARE OF THE BABY.YOUR FAMILY WILL ALWAYS BE IN MY PRAYERS EVEN THOUGH I DIDNT KNOW ANY OF YOU.LOTS OF LOVE,HUGS,AND PRAYERS.DES MOINES RESIDENT.SORRY ABOUT THE CAPITAL LETTERS MY COMPUTER ONLY WORKS WITH CAPS ON."
" TeresaAnn's Family, I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm so sad for her child to grow up without his mommy. I didn't know TeresaAnn personally but at one time I was her with the abuse. Fortunately time heals the heart but time doesn't let us forget. "
"My heart goes out to you and your family. My daughter was involved with Randy at one time. She was able to get out but not before alot of pain and heartache. I'm so sorry this happened to your family. I pray for your strength."
"I am so sorry for your loss.My thoughts and prayers are with you. I never knew your daughter but I have daughters of my own with young children and I can only imagine the pain you are feeling at the loss of yours.I truly appreciate everything your daughter did for our country and it is a shame that her young life had to end in such a tragic manner. But just know that she was loved and admired by many. Please take care."
"Sheila, I can't imagine how hard this is for you and your family right now. All of your cousins and second cousins are thinking and praying you will come through this. We are with you in thought and if you need anything, please let us know. Your Colorado cousins love you and wish you peace."
"My thoughts and prayers go out to you all during this time of need. I did not know Tereseann but I want to thank her family first for her time that she dedicated to protecting her country. Without beautiful people like her taking care of us, we would not have the freedoms we have today. May God give you all the strength you need to make it through the next few days and the rest of the days to come. May our legal system finaly grant you the peace you deserve. May you finally find some sort of peace one day. My love to you all...."
"My heart aches for TeresaAnn's family. You are all in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time as you cope with this tragic loss."
"I am so saddened by the loss of such a precious, and wonderful person even though I didn't know her personally. She looks like a person I would have liked to have known. So young to pass away and little Levi will never know her. That's what crushes me the most when parents are taken from their children. My father passed away from a gun shot accidently when I was 10 years old and that was back in 1963-5 days after Christmas. My heart and Love goes out to the family left behind and my prayers are also with you at this time. May you all find peace and comfort in our Lord Jesus Christ. God bless you all with his touch in your lives. "
" Shelia and the Lynch Family, I know there isn't any amout of words that can mend your broken hearts nor ease your pain, but please know that you're in my heart and prayers that you shall have some comfort soon."
"To TeresaAnn's family: While I didn't know TeresaAnn, my heart goes out to everyone in her family, especially little Levi. Thank you for TeresaAnn's brave and proud service on behalf of our great country! She was beautiful and brave...what a combination. I pray that Levi will grow up in the bountiful love of family who will make sure he knows what a precious mother he had who gave him LIFE! TeresaAnn will live on through Levi. God Bless You All!"
"Sheila, my heart is with you and your family. All my love. Guy"
"Sheila, my prayers are with you and the family. Paul sends his prayers too. Mary Krebs and Paul Gonzales from KPD"
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of TereseAnn Lynch. Our condolences go out to all of you in your time of sorrow. TereseAnn thank you for your time and service to our country. You have completed your final mission, and it is now time for us to honor you."
"I believe that TereseAnn lived her dash to the fullest. She was a joy to work with and will be missed. You have Child Support Recovery staff praying for you and Levi. The Dash by Linda Ellis There was a man who stood to speak At the funeral of a friend He referred to the dates on her tombstone From the beginning to the end He noted that first came her date of her birth And spoke the following date with tears But he said what mattered most of all Was the dash between those years For that dash stands for all the time That she spent alive on earth. And now only those who loved her Know what that little line is worth. For it matters not how much we own; The cars the house the cash What matters is how we live and love And how we spend our dash. So think about this long and hard. Are there things you'd like to change? For you never know how much time is left That can still be rearranged. If we could just slow down enough To consider what's true and real And always try to understand The way other people feel. We'd be less quick to anger And show appreciation more And love the people in our lives Like we've never loved before. If we treat each other with respect And more often wear a smile Remembering that this special dash Might only last a little while. So when your eulogy is being read With your lifes actions to rehash Would you be proud of the things they say About how you spent your dash? â??Cause that dash stands for all the time That you spent alive on earth And only those who loved you Know what that little line is worth It matters not how much you own The cars the house the cash What matters is how you live and love And how you spend your dash What matters is how you live and love And how you spend your dash. "
"There are no words to express the shock we felt upon learning of Tereseann's death, nor are there adequate words to convey the sympathy we feel for her family, friends, and anyone fortunate enough to have known her. Such a tragic loss of a truly beautiful person. I have so many wonderful memories of Tereseann at our house during all the years the girls were in school together. We loved having her around as she was so positive and appreciative of everything. What I clearly remember about her was that no matter what was going on in her life she had that ear-to-ear infectious smile that made all around her happy to be in her presence. She was a friend in the good times and the not so good times. She was full of energy and ambition that is so clearly evidenced by the many accomplishments in her young life. I cannot imagine the pride felt by her family knowing that Thereseann so honorably served our country to help guarantee that all of us will continue to live freely in the country we love. We will be always grateful for her service. And perhaps the greatest accomplishment of all was her being a Mom. There is no greater love than a Mother for her child and a child for it's Mother. I hope everyone will take the time to write down the special memories and moments shared with Thereseann as well as pictures, and save them for Levi, so that when he is older he will be able to realize what a special person his Mom was. For all trying to deal with the loss of Tereseann, I pray that God will grant strength to everyone to help cope with this tragedy, and may He eventually grant peace to the many lives touched by Tereseann. Heaven has gained a wonderful person. May God bless you, Tereseann. "
"I just want you to know how much we always enjoyed having TereseAnn at our house when she and Hayley were in high school. She was always a pleasure to have around as she was very polite and appreciative of everything. I am so glad that she at least got to experience having a child and being a Mommy, and I know everyone will do all they can to keep her memory alive for Levi so he will get to know his Mom in his own way as he grows up. You can certainly be proud of TereseAnn for all she contributed to the world in her young life, including serving our country. Our sincere sympathy to all of you as you try to cope with this tragic loss. You have been in our thoughts, hearts and prayers. May God bless you all. "
"To the Lynch family, My heartfelt sympathy to you all at this most difficult time. Although I didn't know TeresaAnn, her aunt Carol Patterson has been a friend of mine since high school and I know how important her family has always been to her! I pray that God will give you all the strength to get through this most difficult time. Blessings, Deb Mueller Brown"
"My heart goes out to your family in the tragic loss of TeresaAnn. It has been many years since I was around your family but I've been a longtime friend of Teresa Geitzenauer. Plese know that you will be in my thoughts and prayers."