Lynn R. Forshee

Lynn R. Forshee, 84, of Britt passed away on Sunday, February 11, 2007 at Mercy Medical Center of North Iowa in Mason City.

Lynn Raymond Forshee, the son of John Raymond and Iadona (Cary) Forshee, was born on December 31, 1922 in Mason City.  His family lived in Albert Lea, Minnesota for a short time, which is where Lynn started his education.  The family then moved to Britt where Lynn was raised for most of his life and he finished his education in the Britt schools.

On January 1, 1941 Lynn joined the United States Navy and went to Great Lakes Naval Training near Chicago.  He served his country aboard the USS Yorktown as a radioman and gunner.  Lynn took part in the Battle of Midway and Coral Sea receiving two Distinguished Flying Crosses for his efforts.

On February 10, 1944 Lynn was united in marriage to Jennie Lewerke at his parents' home in Britt.  The couple moved to Athens, Georgia and later Hawaii.  When Lynn was honorably discharged from the Navy on January 13, 1947, he and Jennie made their home in Britt and raised their family.

Lynn started his own radio company in Britt, which would late be known as North Central Communication.  He also worked as a movie projectionist, school bus driver, auto mechanic at Pritchard Auto, helped with construction in Duncan after the tornado went through, Justice of the Peace and lastly for the stat of Iowa.  Lynn started working for the State Department of Public Safety in communications for the Iowa State Patrol on September 27, 1954 and later as an Assistant State Fire Marshall on May 17, 1978 retiring in 1986.

Lynn loved to share stories about his time spent in the Navy.  He was also very accomplished at photography, carpentry, electrical and plumbing.  Lynn built the house that he and Jennie called home.  He enjoyed playing the organ, listening to music, flying, astronomy and operating his HAM radio.

Lynn was a member of Bethel Baptist Church in Britt and in the last few years, friends were able to take him to the Evangelical Free Church in Britt for Sunday Services.  He belonged to the VFW, American Legion and was on the Hancock County Veterans' Affairs Board.

Lynn is survived by his wife of 63 years Jennie; son Gary Forshee of Urbandale; daughter Marlene Meckenstock, Ryan Meckenstock and his wife Cindy and Rhonda Riley and her husband, Brad; four great-grandchildren: Corbin Riley, Brooke Riley, Ronnie Meckenstock and R.J. Meckenstock; brother, Donald Forshee and his wife, Ellen of Swea City; as well as nieces, nephews and other family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a son and sister both in infancy.