Lynne Florence (Hinkel) Lipsey, of Lawrence, died on Sunday, January 10, 2021, after living with cancer for more than two years.
Lynne was born on May 7, 1947, the third child of Hollis and Adele Hinkel of Rochester, Michigan. She attended Rochester High School and Michigan State University, where she graduated with honors in German and met her future husband.
In high school, Lynne was an exchange student in Hamburg, Germany, and her family hosted exchange students Elke Schardin from Hamburg and Ana Maria de Menezes from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Lynne was able to maintain contact with Ana throughout much of her life.
Lynne spoke German fluently and was able to use the language extensively when she accompanied her husband, Dick, on his Army assignment to Germany in 1970-71 and in later vacation trips to Europe.
During their Army years, Lynne lived in Friedberg, Germany, where she handled international currency conversions for American Express; Fort Ord, California, where she worked for the Carmel Police Department and met Mayor Clint Eastwood; and Galesburg, Illinois, where she taught introductory German at Knox College.
She also lived in suburban Washington, DC, and worked as a travel agent in the Crystal City shops in Arlington, Virginia; and at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, where she taught English as a second language.
In 1977 Lynne and Dick adopted twin girls from Korea who were the joy of their lives.
Lynne moved with her family in 1985 to Lawrence, where she worked as a substitute teacher in the school system and as an agent for McGrew Real Estate before finding a niche with the University of Kansas Division of Continuing Education.
During her nineteen years at Continuing Education, she helped the transition from correspondence courses to internet instruction and worked with many faculty members to put their courses online. Lynne also enjoyed working with Professor Maryemma Graham on the Project on the History of Black Writing.
In 1993 and 1994, Lynne and her family sponsored high school exchange students from Brazil and Poland and took them to Rocky Mountain National Park, beginning a family tradition of enjoying the Colorado mountains.
She retired from KU in 2008 and moved to Estes Park, Colorado, where she and Dick had a comfortable home on a dead-end road on the side of a mountain at 8,600-feet elevation with an expansive view of Estes Park and the surrounding mountains.
In Estes Park, Lynne was a volunteer at Bear Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park and a member of the Estes Park Ambassadors at the town’s Visitor Center. She was an enthusiastic genealogist and did extensive DNA research into her family’s history.
A particular highlight was a trip to Ireland in 2018, where she was able to introduce her husband to two of his very-distant Irish cousins whom she had connected with through her ancestry research.
She was diagnosed with cancer soon after that trip and the following year returned to Lawrence to be closer to family. She passed away in hospice care at home with her husband and daughters at her bedside.
Lynne loved animals and had a series of dogs ranging from Piccolo, the dachshund she bought at a pet store in Frankfurt, Germany, to Jasper, the golden doodle who was a comfort in her final days.
Lynne was known by family, friends, and acquaintances as a warm, caring, and gracious woman who was a joy to be with. She was a special person.
Lynne is survived by her husband, Dick; her daughters Kelly Yates (John) of Leawood and Kerry Smalley (Jeff) of Topeka; her brother, Howard Hinkel (Gail) of Columbia, Missouri; and her sister, Sharon Hartlein (Bob), of Midland, Michigan, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be 1pm Saturday, June 26 at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 2-3pm at the funeral home.
Donations to the Cotton-O’Neil Cancer Center, Stormont-Vail Hospital, Topeka, or to the Douglas County Visiting Nurses Association are suggested. Donations may be sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana, Lawrence, KS 66044.
Our thanks to everyone for your condolences and reminiscences about Lynne. We appreciate them.
Dick, Kelly, and Kerry.
Dear Kerry and Kelly –
I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of your mother. I have such wonderful memories of her when we were all junior high school age. She was such a warm, sweet and caring person. She was a wonderful person. Thoughts and prayers to you and your families during this time.
I was so sorry to hear about Lynne’s passing. I enjoyed working with her as Ambassadors for the Town Visitor’s Center in Estes Park.. Lynne was so bubbly and fun to talk to. She encouraged me to get more interested in genealogy. I enjoyed her travel tales about Germany and Ireland.
She loved her husband and twin daughters so much. She also loved talking about her dogs, Dickens and Jasper. She was so kind and will be missed. I will keep her family in my prayers.
Dear Dick,
I always enjoyed visiting with Lynne at various events. I did not know her that well but was comfortable with her as if we were long time friends.
During your Las Vegas visit in 2013, while you and Brian were looking through race results, Lynne and I had a long discussion about house paint colors. After reading about her remarkable life, I realize I should have been visiting with her about her experiences rather than something so trivial.
I am so glad to have known her. You have my deepest sympathy.
I thoroughly enjoyed meeting Lynne here in Colorado and am so saddened to learn of her passing. My thoughts are with you and your family, Dick.
Dear Dick, Kerry and Kelly….
I knew your sweet Lynne through Ambassadors here in Estes Park. There were five of us who served as officers for the Ambassadors for three years, and we had such fun that after our terms were over, we continued to meet for breakfast together once a month so we could stay in touch. Lynne was the kind of person we all wanted to stay in touch with, and while it is very sad that she is gone it’s also good to know she is at peace. I pray that your grief may be eased by the wonderful memories of Lynne that you must have. My husband Ken, who was also an Ambassador, used to call her “Lovely Lynne Lipsey from Lawrence”, and he was so right! A lovely lady, inside an out, and she will be missed by those of us fortunate enough to have known her.
I was a volunteer at Bear Lake working several years with Lynne. She had the most beautiful smile and radiated kindness. Lynne was a special lady who will be deeply missed. My thoughts and prayers are with Lynne’s family.
So sorry to receive this news, Lynn was a delight to work with at Bear Lake, here at Rocky Mountain National Park. Her smile and gentle voice allowed her to be an effective communicator with the park visitors. She will be missed, she left a positive impact on her fellow Trailmasters. She was such a gracious individual. Our loss heaven’s gain.
We were deeply saddened to hear of Lynne’s passing. We knew her as an Estes Park neighbor, fellow ambassador and fellow volunteer in RMNP. Her wonderful smile was so welcoming and her kindness was always appreciated. We are thinking of all of you at this difficult time. Lynne was a treasure and will be greatly missed.
Such a beautiful lady! Enjoyed volunteering with her in the National Park! Always a smile on her face! My prayers are with her and her family!
I was truly shocked when I read of Lynne’s death. That beautiful photo of her in the Trail-Gazette just brought her right back to me – I just wish I had had more time to get to know her as a fellow Trail Master. Her beautiful smile always made me feel really special! I truly look forward to good times in the next life. Meanwhile, my sympathy to all of you her family.
Dear Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I only knew Lynne in her illness. However I got a glimpse of her amazing life. Dick, love comes in many shades, your devotion was heart warming. Kerry and Jeff, I hope I her death, the memories of such a vibrant woman are resurfacing. Please tell your sister my condolences too. I know Jasper is grieving also.
I was a Ranger at RMNP in the Bear Lake area and worked with Lynne quite often. She was , to me , a true Southern Belle. She was always gracious and kind to all she came in contact with.She always had a very welcoming smile that put you at ease instantly. I will miss not being able to hope to encounter her up at Bear or at the Estes Visitor center. Lynne will be greatly missed.
I always enjoyed working and spending time with Lynne at Bear Lake. She was a delight to be around and loved being a Bear Lake Volunteer.
Dick, Kerry and Kelly,
My deepest sympathies and condolences. Lynne was a very kind and gracious person who will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of deep personal loss.
Lynne was a beautiful person inside and out. Her kindness and caring during the time we were stationed in Germany was one of my treasured memories. My prayers are with you, and your girls, Dick.
I was a Ranger at Bear Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park and worked with Lynne when she volunteered there. She always had a smile and a great attitude, and helped many visitors enjoy their time in Rocky. She was a pleasure to work with. My condolences to her family.
Lynne will be truly missed. She was such a lovely person and I’m grateful to have known her.
Dick, Kerry, and Kelly,
It saddens me to hear of Lynne’s passing. I remember her largely from interactions surrounding Maddog activities. I knew her as was a warm and positive person who I’m sure made life better for all whom her presence touched. I’m sorry for your loss and know that you have wonderful memories of her in your hearts.
I worked with Lynne at KUCONTINUING EDUCATION and knew her as a true friend. She was a real lady, kind, and a role model for anyone she was with. My thoughts and prayers go with the family.
My thoughts and prayers are with Lynne’s husband, daughters and entire family at this difficult time. I knew Lynne from KU Continuing Education. She was extremely kind and caring. It was always a joy talking with her.
Dick,
I never met Lynne, but in reading other’s comments, I can see that she was a special person. You have my deepest sympathy and I’m sending peace and comfort.
Dick, Kerry, and Kelly,
Everyone who met Lynne will feel her loss — and your loss — profoundly. My thoughts are with you.
Such sad news! I knew Lynne from our time at KU Continuing Education, and I will always remember her as one of the warmest, kindest, most intelligent, and most beautiful people I’ve ever known. Her bright eyes and sweet smile always lit up the room. I feel privileged to have known her.
Love and sympathy to Dick, Kerry, and Kelly.
Lynne was an outstanding staff member and colleague at KUCE for many years.
Dear Dick, I am so very sorry for your loss. Lynne was a very special person and your wonderful family has been lucky to have each other. I hope you take comfort in each other’s presence and in sharing memories of Lynne and a life well lived. Thank you for sharing the tribute to her life and the many pictures of Lynne with all of you over the years.
Lynne was such a gracious and fascinating woman. She had a vast knowledge of many different subjects and hobbies and I learned more from her than she will ever know.
She adored her husband and two daughters and was one of the most well know Ambassadors here in Estes Park. I feel honored that I had the chance to get to know her and Dick (and Dickens and Jasper).
Dear Dick, Kerry and Kelly,
It was our privilege to have met you on our trip down the Rhine River and enjoy many trips with you afterwards. Lynne was pure joy to have known and we will miss her very much. You are in our prayers. Sending love and virtual hugs your way.
Dear Richard, Kerry and Kelly,
I am deeply sorry for your loss. Lynne was such an amazing person, loving, caring and so delicate and gratious. You all created such a great family. I was so lucky to be part of it and experience its warmth and incredible hospitality when I was an exchange student. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Thank you Lynne, thank you Richard, Kerry and Kelly. Please accept my deepest condolences.
Dick, Kelly, Kerry, and family:
My deepest sympathy to you on the passing of your dear Lynne. Holding you all “in the light.” Peace. — Jan Seeley
Dear Mr. Lipsey, Kerry, and Kelly, I’m heartbroken to hear this news today. Your family represent such positive memories from my childhood. I’m so sorry for the grief you’re all feeling now and that the circumstances of the world will likely prevent you from mourning her loss together with friends and extended family at this time. I’m glad to hear the three of you could be with her and that her last moments were of joy and Gene Kelly! I’m grateful to have learned more about Lynne’s beautiful life, and her love of culture and travel and dogs! My deepest condolences are with you all.
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers, my friend. My deepest sympathies.
Dick, Kerry, Kelly and family,
I am so sorry to hear of Lynne’s passing. I’m sure there is a big hole in your hearts but that hole will be filled with all the loving memories of Lynne.
I met Lynne when we were both taking a class at KU. As I recall, we were the oldest two in the class of mostly young students so we visited a bit during the class. I knew Dick from the Maddogs running group, but it wasn’t until we were a ways into the class I figured out the connection–one of those wonderful coincidences. We crossed paths a few more times in Lawrence and I am so glad to have known her.
Dick, Kerry & Kelly,
We send our deepest sympathies and prayers to all of you as we learned the sad news of Lynne’s passing. We will always treasure the memories of Lynne’s kind and welcoming personality and smile as she walked down Moss Rock Dr with her furry companion, Dickens. She was a kind and caring person, and she always remained in touch with all of our neighbors. I will never forget the funny stories when we were neighbors in Estes Park. During the Estes Park Flood of 2013, Lynne was determined to open the lock box and check on our home after the flood before it was even our home. I will always remember her telling me “your home is fine, but I think I owe you a lockbox.” She was also the neighbor who let us know that a bear had attacked our BBQ pit. May you find peace in the coming days knowing what a wonderful person Lynne was, how full of a life she lived, and the fact that her suffering is no more.
Dick, Kerry, and Kelly:
I will never forget the kind, gentle, compassionate, and caring person Lynne was. I have many fond memories of her from family get togethers that I will cherish.
My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Lynne was one of the most wonderful woman I have ever met. I enjoyed working with her at Continuing Education and visiting her in Estes Park while on vacation. She has been a role model for how to enjoy life. She always had a kind heart and knew how to make you feel good about yourself.