Lynn Ann Dornfeld

Lynn Ann Dornfeld

Iowa City

Lynn Ann Dornfeld died February 19, 2024 after a prolonged battle with reocurring breast cancer. Our beloved Lynn passed away peacefully at home, without pain, surrounded by family.

Lynn’s family includes her sons, Keaghan and Reid Salisbury; her dad and mom Rick and Nancy Bywater Dornfeld, her sister Robin Dornfeld (Justin) Lindsey, niece Charlotte Lindsey and nephew Jack Lindsey. Lynn was lovingly supported by many aunts, uncles, and cousins in many states. She was preceded in death by her sister Emily Jane Dornfeld.

Lynn was born in Winona, MN on May 26, 1967. She graduated from Fergus Falls, MN high school, with participation as a volleyball player, synchronized swimmer, diver; and as a multisport cheerleader. In academics she reached the National Honor Society. College followed, and Lynn earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN. Lynn’s singing talent earned her a spot in the St. Olaf Choir. A highlight for Lynn was the choir trip to Seoul, Korea as part of the 1988 Pre-Olympic Arts Festival. After Seoul, Lynn joined other “Ole’s” on an overseas semester in Denmark. It was during this time that Lynn was struck by a commuter train and suffered injuries that delayed college graduation for a year and left permanent impacts.

Lynn moved to Iowa City in 2007, and was immediately surrounded by loving family members. Beyond Iowa, she enjoyed periodic trips to the Oregon coast and skiing trips to Colorado. She was a strong intermediate “three-track” skier.

In Iowa City, Lynn was an active member of St. Marks United Methodist Church, Iowa City Eels Swim Club, Iowa City Chamber Singers, and Chapter OD of P.E.O. She worked for nearly ten years with the Iowa City Community School District as a paraprofessional aide for students at several grade schools and at Iowa City High School. Lynn’s successful activity level would be pretty good for the average person, and exceptional considering the limitations imposed by her permanent injuries.

Lynn’s legacy is seen through the many lives that she touched with warmth, grace, and honest open friendship. Our own hearts have been warmed by people who have reached out to our family with loving comments about how Lynn’s spirit and determination have been exemplary for them.

Here are memorials suggested by Lynn:

The National Sports Center for the Disabled, 1801 Mile High Stadium Circle, Suite 1500, Denver, CO 80204. https://nscd.org/donate.

The Iowa City Community School District Foundation, 1725 North Dodge St., Iowa City, IA 52245. https://form-renderer-app.donorperfect.io/give/foundation-for-iowa-city-community-school-district/excellence-fund-form

The St. Olaf College Foundation, 1520 St. Olaf Avenue, Northfield, MN 55057. https://stolaf.alumniq.com/giving/to/default

Private family graveside services are being planned for interment to take place at Oakland Cemetery in Iowa City, with a public Celebration of Lynn’s life to be announced later this spring. To share a thought, memory or condolence please visit Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service website at www.gayandciha.com.