Lynn Schweinzger

Lynn Schweinzger died peacefully on June 20, 2023 at 9:28am at Green Acres Assisted Living where she resided for the past year.  Lynn was born on June 16, 1954 to Jack and Charlotte Schweinzger.  She lived her whole life in Niles and was known by many people.  After graduating from Niles High School she attended Andrews University for one year in the food service department.  Lynn held various jobs over the years, that included hotel housekeeping, a helper of the elderly, and a McDonald’s food service worker.

Lynn was faced with many challenges throughout her life.  She had cognitive challenges, scoliosis, was a breast cancer survivor, and most recently endured a lung disease over the last five years.  She was able to live independently until she needed to move into Brentwood of Niles in February of 2022.

Last July she moved to Green Acres Assisted Living of Allendale, in the greater Grand Rapids area, to be closer to family.  While Lynn never drove, she walked and rode her bike all over the Niles area.  She enjoyed being a member of the Eagles Lodge where she spent many hours and always looked forward to her birthday mug of beer.  She had fun participating in hometown festivities such as the raft race, and even ran for Apple Festival Queen once.  She participated in the Special Olympics many times.  She was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and later moved to the United Methodist church, where she engaged in many activities.  Lynn graduated with the class of 1974 and loved being a part of the reunion planning committees and attending the reunions.

Lynn was preceded in death by her mother and step-father, Charlotte and Al Southworth, her father and step-mother, Jack and Phyllis Schweinzger, and her step-sister Debbie Southworth.  She is survived by her brother Eric (Jane) Schweinzger, sister Sara (Daryll) Atkinson, step-brother Mike Southworth, step-sister Genna Southworth, half-brother Bill Schweinzger and half-sister Kelley Schweinzger.  Lynn had 11 nephews and nieces and 12 great nephews and nieces.  She dearly loved them and cherished the time spent with them.  She frequently wore the sweatshirt that had all their hand prints on it.  They fondly remember her great laugh, times spent with her playing games, going to movies, and receiving her annual Christmas cards with money or McDonald’s certificates.

The funeral service for Lynn Schweinzger will be at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, June 26, 2023 at the New Journey United Methodist Church, 302 Cedar Street in Niles with Pastor Michael Southworth, retired of Cornerstone Community Church in Hobart, Indiana, and step-brother of Lynn officiating.  Committal will follow at the Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles.

The family will receive relatives and friends on Sunday, from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at the Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home, 615 East Main Street in Niles.  Contributions in memory of Lynn may be made to Faith Hospice, 2100 Raybrook Street SE, Suite 100, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 49546, https://faithhospicecare.org/; or to Green Acres Allendale, 11289 Commerce Drive, Allendale, Michigan, 49401, https://www.rlmgmt.com/green-acres-allendale/.  Online condolences may be left at:

www.halbritterwickens.com

Lynn will be remembered for her fun loving sense of humor, her joyful spirit, and her kindness to all.  No matter what life threw at her, she always maintained a positive attitude and endured with grace.  She will be dearly missed by her family and friends.