BOONE, Iowa—Dale Lynn Sinram, “Lynn”, 74, of Boone, Iowa, passed away on June 28, 2023, after years of courageously battling many chronic illnesses and medical conditions.
Lynn was born on May 13, 1949, in Mitchell, South Dakota, to Dale and Cora Westergreen. As the 2nd of 4 children, she grew up on the family farm outside of Kimball, South Dakota. She cherished her family and siblings all of her life and never forgot all of the wonderful lessons she learned on the farm. Lynn graduated from Kimball High School in 1967. Lynn proceeded to attend the Methodist School of Nursing, where she graduated in 1970. In nursing, Lynn found her true calling, where she would continue to positively impact so many people throughout her incredible life. Lynn started her career at Yankton State Hospital, where she met her first husband, Tex. Tex and Lynn moved to Sturgis, where their daughter, Kori, was born.
Following Lynn and Tex’s divorce, life took Lynn to Boone, Iowa, where she married Russ Sinram. It was there she called home the remainder of her life and where she and Russ raised Kori. In addition to the joys of raising her daughter, Lynn found numerous friends while continuing her long career at the Boone County Hospital. For all that knew or came in contact with her, it was clear that caring for people was one of her greatest joys and a true gift that God had given her. Even following her retirement, Lynn would continue always putting others first and NEVER stopped being a caregiver.
As fate would have it, following Russ’ death, Lynn had the most amazing final eight years of her life with her loving companion Larry “Rabbit” Wilkening by her side. Without question, these were some of the best times of her life as Larry brought incredible joy, happiness, and love to her life.
Lynn was an amazing mother to Kori, and they never missed a day talking to one another on the phone or in person. Their love was a great example to all who had the privilege to be around them. To her grandkids, Lynn was a great “Bugga”. They gave her so much joy spending time together, and their love was evident to all. Lynn loved everyone and all animals, ESPECIALLY her cats, and showed all of those around her how to love. Heaven truly received an amazing Angel to watch over us.
Lynn is survived by her daughter, Kori Ensley; son-in-law, Mike; grandchildren, Riley, Kamryn, and Korbin; her loving siblings, Mary Lundy (Paul) of Ames, Judy Rabinowitz (Bob) of Boone, and Lowell “Pete” Westergreen of Platte, South Dakota; niece, Asha Crouse (Toby Williams) of Boone; nephews, Erik Lundy (Carrie) of Des Moines and Karl Lundy (Julie) of Des Moines; many grand nieces and nephews, cousins and others in her life that were the family she chose – especially Rabbit and his family; so many friends, her nursing family, and others that she became “Bugga” for. As her sister, Judy, has described her – Lynn was a collector of people. If you were a part of her chosen family, you know who you are and are better for it.
Lynn was preceded in death by her parents, Dale and Cora Westergreen.
The family would like to say “Thank You” to all of the great doctors, nurses, and staff who have taken care of her over the years and a special “Thank You” to all of the nurses and staff at the Israel Hospice House in Ames who provided such great care and support to Lynn and our family during her final days.
To quote Lynn: “Do not be sad but think of our many beautiful memories when you see a beautiful hibiscus, an old windmill, a beautiful sunset, or a wind chime tinkling in the breeze – think of me and do something kind for someone each day. God Bless You All.”
A memorial service will be held at First United Methodist Church in Boone, Iowa, on July 8, 2023, with a visitation starting at 10:00 a.m. and a service at 11:00 a.m. Please come casual and in bright colors as Lynn said that there was to be “No Fuss”.
A live stream of the service will be available on the Schroeder-Stark-Welin Funeral Home Facebook Page and can be accessed at: https://www.facebook.com/SchroederStarkWelin
In lieu of flowers, Lynn asked that donations be made to the Children’s Tumor Foundation at CTF.Org or to any Animal Welfare fund.
