Lynn D. Heinz

Lynn D. Heinz, 72, of Moline, Illinois, passed peacefully on Tuesday, March 25, 2025 after a lifetime of health struggles.

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Friday, April 4, in the Horizon Room at Trimble Funeral Home at Trimble Pointe, 701 12th Street, Moline. A time of sharing will begin at 5:30 p.m. Memorials may be made to the family for a memorial brick at Ben Butterworth Parkway, Moline.

Lynn Dawn Heinz was born June 24, 1952, in Appleton, Wisconsin, the daughter of George and Lola (Buss) Heinz Sr. Lynn was raised in the family restaurant business, working as a chef at Koehnke’s Lounge, for over 14 years. She showcased her skill working at several supper clubs in the Wisconsin Fox Valley, the East Texas Medical Center and Mountrail Bethel Homes in Stanley, ND. Her desire to continue learning led her to college for mechanical design, work in aircraft parts assembly, photo retouching, and even driving a semi truck.

There wasn’t a U.S. highway that she didn’t know due to her love of traveling as well as her experience of semi-truck driving. She had an impeccable memory for intricate details about a significant number of topics. Lynn could provide specific dates of events including those spanning from her childhood through adulthood. After years of cooking for others, Lynn enjoyed when her daughters would prepare meals for her, exploring new restaurants and supper clubs, and the occasional Kalhua with cream or Old Fashioned during a Packer game. In her quiet moments, she found joy in jigsaw puzzles, word games, and calligraphy. Her curiosity about genealogy led her to explore family history, and she shared her stories with a passion, humor and vividness that amazed all who listened.

Lynn volunteered with the women's domestic abuse shelter in her hometown for many years, serving on the county board, chairing the volunteer advisory board, and in 1989 received the Janet Berry Award for volunteer of the year. “I did my volunteer work from my heart and truly believed in helping others and wasn't expecting any other reward from my work other than knowing I may have made a difference in someone else’s life.”

Lynn loved to be the person who others sought in order to provide nurturing guidance, support, and advice when they were faced with problems or issues that needed resolve, when they needed someone to lend a kind, listening ear or a supportive embrace. Lynn became a mom and trusted friend to many who knew her.

Lynn thoroughly enjoyed talking to others to share her vast knowledge about a large number of subjects including occupations, making home or car repairs, football, landmarks, and overall facts. The stories she shared highlighted the way that she embraced life including its challenges.

She lived each day with the belief that life is a beautiful journey and it is important to laugh, be silly, hold close those you love, and seek the positive in each day.

Lynn’s determination for independence and her resiliency prevailed over her numerous life challenges. She could figure out how to get things done even when there was no one to ask for help. Not that she would have asked! She didn’t give up when life got hard, always offering advice and encouraging others to pursue their dreams and ambitions.

Lynn's deep love and care extended to her pets especially for her dogs Mercedes, Fancee, Mackenzie, and her childhood pet Queenie. She enjoyed animals immensely and felt very connected with them.

Above all, Lynn’s heart belonged to her family. She treasured every moment spent with her daughters, grandchildren, and loved ones. The love she had for her daughters and grandchildren shone on her face with a beaming, loving smile and pride in her voice when she was near them or when she spoke of them. It was important to her to be at events for school, sporting games, and life’s events to support those she loved. Her life was filled with rich experiences, and her deep care for others left an unforgettable mark.

Lynn is survived by her beloved daughters, Lori (Adam) Noack and Tammy Muerhoff; and her grandchildren, David Novellino, Christian Novellino, and Johnny Muerhoff. She was preceded by her parents, her sister Barbara and brother Steven, and son-in-law, John Muerhoff.

Her legacy of love, adventure, and warmth will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

The family invites friends to share stories and condolences at TrimbleFuneralHomes.com.