CEDAR RAPIDS:

Lynnette Elizabeth Gerhold, 61, formerly of Atkins, Iowa went home to be with her Eternal Father on Wednesday, March 6, 2019 at Dennis & Donna Oldorf Mercy Hospice in Hiawatha.

Visitation: 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., Friday, March 8, 2019 at the St. Stephen's Lutheran Church fellowship hall in Atkins.  Christian funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, March 9, 2019 at St. Stephen's Lutheran Church, Atkins, Iowa, officiated by Pastor Doug Woltemath.  Interment will be held at St. Stephens Cemetery in Atkins.

Lynnette, our firecracker, was born on July 4, 1957 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa to Mary (Rosdail) and Carl Gerhold, Jr.  She attended special education classes through high school and enjoyed going to Camp Courageous well into her adult life.  She worked numerous places, including Goodwill in Cedar Rapids for a number of years.  She was an active member of St. Stephen's Lutheran Church throughout her life.

In 2002 she became a resident/family member of Discovery Living, a supported community living facility in the Cedar Rapids area.  Here she gained a new independence, skills, and friendships.  After retiring from Goodwill, she attended day programming at Time Check and To The Rescue.  Lynnette was a gift to all with whom she had contact.  Her infectious laugh and comical reactions made knowing her a joy and in many ways a privilege.  Her willful nature and welcoming heart will be missed by all who knew her.  What a blessing to have such a special sister and friend!

Lynnette is survived by her brothers Randy (Pam) of The Villages, FL, Carl III (Marilyn), and Thomas (Julia), all of Atkins; her sister Jony of Sacramento, CA; her stepfather David Neuhaus; six nieces and nephews; four great nieces and nephews;  her aunts and uncles, Betty Stallman of Norway, Ruth Rosdail of Marion, Dennis Rosdail of Carroll, Ron Schanbacher Sr. of Newhall and Arlen and Barbara Gerhold of Atkins; numerous cousins, and special friends including, but certainly not limited to: Mary Hand, Michelle Rhoades, Kathy Jacobsen, and Rod and Tina Lenz.

Lynnette was preceded in death by her parents, and sister Judy.

In memory of Lynnette, memorial funds have been established for Discovery Living, Camp Courageous, and St. Stephen's Lutheran Church.