Obituaries » Lynn Crannell
Lynn Crannell
January 18, 1962 - August 1, 2023
Lynn Darlene (Nervig) Crannell, 61, of Slater, Iowa, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, August 1, 2023, at Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines, surrounded by her loving family.
A celebration of life will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, August 26, 2023, at Nelson Park’s Pavilion and Log Cabin at 305 Benton Street, Slater, Iowa 50244. Given that the celebration is an outdoor event and seating options are limited, guests are encouraged to bring their own chairs. Beverages and desserts will be provided. A private burial ceremony for the immediate family will be held at a later date.
Lynn was born to Donald (Shorty) and Grace Nervig on January 18, 1962. She lived all her life in Slater and graduated from Ballard High School in 1980. Following her graduation, Lynn’s love and passion for taking care of others translated into her calling as a professional caretaker. After beginning work at the Madrid Nursing Home, she moved on to her 33-year career as a Resident Treatment Worker at the Woodward Resource Center. During that period, she became an AFSCME union member until 2020, enabling her to be a strong advocate for the rights of both staff and individuals with disabilities. She made sure their voices were heard, and their daily needs were met. Lynn also served over eight years on a Governor’s appointed committee as a member of the Iowa Mental Health and Disability Services Commission. Her front-line experience and compassion made her viewpoint well respected among the other members.
On March 7, 1981, Lynn married the love of her life, Randy Crannell, at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Slater, Iowa. Over the course of their 42-year marriage, they built a beautiful life, bringing up their four children and seven grandchildren together.
Lynn’s life was devoted to her family. She actively attended their sporting events and continuously organized activities to enjoy together. Hosting gatherings and special occasions, such as their annual 4th of July celebration, brought her immense joy. Lynn’s warm and welcoming nature made certain that everyone felt embraced and included in their lives. Her many other hobbies included cooking, taking road trips, playing games like cards and Pictionary, listening to Bob Seger, and fishing. She was also an avid Iowa Hawkeye fan, meaning she never missed a chance to cheer on the team no matter what event was on. Her infectious smile and heart of gold will forever be missed by anyone who had the privilege of knowing Lynn.
She is survived by her husband, Randy Crannell of Slater, Iowa; her daughters Tina (Dan) Britten of Orient, Iowa; Tonja (Jeff) Bullock of Atlantic, Iowa; sons Joshua (Cassondra) Crannell of Huxley, Iowa; Cody (Sidney) Crannell of Slater, Iowa; grandchildren, Hunter (Abby) Crannell of Grimes, Iowa; Shaylee Brown (Dale) of Ankeny, Iowa; Jonathan Bullock of Atlantic, Iowa; Landen and Hailey Crannell of Huxley, Iowa; and Brynlee and Caroline Crannell of Slater, Iowa; sister Mary Kuhn of Slater, Iowa; and many aunts, in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews, and beloved friends.
Lynn was preceded in death by her parents, Grace and Shorty Nervig; Father-in-law, Laverne Crannell; Mother-in-law Lauretta Crannell; brother-in-law, Timothy Kuhn; sister-in-law Elizabeth Jones, and grandparents.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be directed toward the family.