Lynette was the oldest of 6 siblings and greatly enjoyed lording her position over her younger brothers and sisters. Her childhood home was constantly filled with the sounds of her practicing drama and voice warm ups on her siblings. She even enjoyed tormenting her brother so much he decided joining the army was safer than staying at home.
Lynette had a life long passion for the arts, and wanted to be an actor from an early age. After completing a degree in theater at the University of Nebraska she moved to Chicago to pursue her passion for acting. Shortly after moving she discovered an even greater passion, being a loving and doting mother. When her two sons grew up and became too cool for constant love and attention, Lynette returned to her love of the arts by coaching the Speech Team. First, at Walther Lutheran High school in Melrose Park, and then at Oak Park and River Forest High School.
Lynette was an active member of her church and used her passions to share her faith. She participated and briefly led St Paul’s Vacation Bible School summer program. She performed and directed skits with their Drama Ministry Team, and most Sunday’s could be heard lending her voice to the choir.
In May of 2015, Lynette was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She could often be found recuperating in her chair overlooking the Des Plaines river. She enjoyed watching the ducks swimming and the deer congregating at the water’s edge. Her view of the river was the backdrop for many long and loving conversations with friends and family during her 7 year battle with cancer.
Lynette is survived by her sons, Alex and Duncan Franz; surrogate daughter, Patricia Zareba; Siblings, Lia Eickhoff, Laura (David) Eisele, Maria (Randy) Taylor, Jason Welter (Tami Connell) and Richard (Laurie) Egger II; Stepfather, Richard Egger Sr.; and many other family and friends whom she loved and adored.
She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Sandra Welter; sister-in-law and dear friend, Julie Franz; and by her beloved dog, Mr. Wilson.
In lieu of flowers please consider donating to ovarian cancer research https://ovariancancerinstitute.org/donations/ or to triple negative breast cancer research https://tnbcfoundation.org/support-us/donate.
Graveside service at Calvary Cemetery, 3880 L St., Lincoln, Nebraska: 1:00 p.m. Saturday, 10-01-2022, with Pastor Kerry O’Bryant officiating. Reception to follow at 3521 Allendale Dr. Lincoln, Nebraska.
Memorial service at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1025 Lake St., Melrose Park, Illinois: 2:00 p.m. Sunday, 10-16-2022, with Pastor Michael Duffy officiating. Reception to follow in the Fellowship Hall.