John Franklin and Suzanne Patricia (Johnson) Lynn of Mountain Home, Idaho passed away on December 30th, 2021. They were beloved parents, grandparents and friends to many.
Suzanne was born in Chicago, Illinois on November 7th, 1950, to parents Robert and Patricia Johnson. Growing up Suzanne moved all over the country because of her father’s career in the Navy. She embraced every base her family was stationed and often talked fondly about her childhood. Suzanne graduated from Oak Harbor High School in Oak Harbor, Washington, Class of 1968. She loved swim team and was a lifeguard. She attended Everett Community College in Everett, Washington, but in 1971 she decided to continue in her father’s footsteps, and he personally enlisted her in the United States Navy. Among her various assignments as a recruiting officer and later a career counselor, she helped guide others through their time in the service. During her tenure, Suzanne was awarded several National Defense Service Medals, Good Conduct Medals (numerous), her Seventh Silver Wreath Award and Marksman Navy and Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbons.
John was born in Jacksonville, Florida on October 2nd, 1959, to parents James and Elizabeth Lynn-Erickson. John graduated from Bayfield High School in Bayfield, Wisconsin (Class of 1977). John chose to enlist in the United States Air Force immediately after graduating high school and he strived to be the very best at his career. Throughout his time in service, John had the opportunity to lead some of the best squadrons in the Air Force as a Chief Master Sergeant. John always said it was an honor to lead each and every one of those on his crew and always considered everyone family. Among his many lifetime accomplishments, his military service is among some of his most profound. He won many awards and decorations during his time in service. Although they both chose the military career after high school, their paths didn’t cross until later in their lives. As they were both excelling in their careers, they met while serving tours at Keflavik Naval Air Station located in Iceland. They met each other while working together, but they always said it was love at first sight, and they were inseparable ever since.
In 1992, Suzanne retired from the Navy as a Chief Petty Officer after 21 years of service. After her retirement, Suzanne became a mom, and her children were everything to her. She was a dedicated mom who always put her daughters’ needs before her own. Suzanne enjoyed time with her family and friends and traveling the most. In 2001 John was stationed at Mountain Home Air Force Base, where they both fell in love with the area. A few years later John retired after 26 years in the United States Air Force, and they decided to stay and make Mountain Home their home. John enjoyed the outdoors and was often on the lake fishing or scouting for deer in his free time. Both John and Suzanne loved to travel the nation in their camper and enjoyed following NASCAR. They often made annual trips to see races in person.
Those who knew John would say he would do anything to help a friend. Those who knew Suzanne would says she was always the nicest person. Anyone who ever met them would know how much they were madly in love with each other. They truly were soul mates. Suzanne was forever John’s bride and John was Suzanne’s true love.
They are survived by their children Dena Hornaday (Eric) of Boise, Idaho, and Betsy Hiddleston (Evan) of Mountain Home, Idaho. They are also survived by their grandson Mason. Suzanne is also survived by her brothers Tom (Lane), Robert (Tobie), George (Dee) and Jim (Alina) Johnson. She is also survived by her nieces and nephews: Veronica, Samantha, Jennifer, Carrie, Nancy, Zach, Jimmy and Alex. John is also survived by his brother Jim Lynn (Julie Nourse) and by his sisters Cathy Meierotto (Robert), Brenda Erickson. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews: Mercedes, Jessica, Jolene, Sammy, Timothy, James, John and Jake.
Inseparable even in death, we will be holding services for John and Suzanne Lynn at 10:00 AM on Thursday, January 13th, 2022 at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church, burial with military honors to follow at the Mountain View Cemetery in Mountain Home, Idaho. There will also be a luncheon reception following the burial at the Our Lady of Good Counsel Hall.
