
In Loving Memory
LI
Lynne Irma Dethrow (Faust)
December 9, 1947 — May 24, 2026
It is with profound sadness and yet a deep sense of gratitude for a life beautifully lived that we announce the passing of Lynne Irma Dethrow (Faust), who departed this world on May 24, 2026. Lynne passed peacefully in the comfort of her home in St Anne, Illinois, surrounded by her cherished family, following a brave and lengthy battle with interstitial lung disease. She was 78.
Born on December 9, 1947, in Wilmington, Illinois, Lynne was the beloved daughter of Kenneth and Marion Faust. Her early years were filled with the warmth of family and the bonds that she would cherish and nurture throughout her life. Predeceased by her parents and her siblings Chuck, Kenneth, Pat, Beth, and Barb, Lynne carried forward their legacy of love and resilience.
On December 11, 1971, Lynne married the love of her life, Gerald Dethrow, in a ceremony filled with hope and promise in Stony Point, NY. Together, they celebrated 54 wonderful years of marriage, marked by love, laughter, and shared dreams. Their union was blessed with a family that would become Lynne’s greatest joy.
Lynne is survived by her devoted husband, Gerald, and her four beloved children: Christopher Dethrow of St. Anne; Michael & Lisa Dethrow of Milford; Jonathan & Jennifer Dethrow of Kankakee; and Cheryl Jamnik of St. Anne. Her legacy continues through her 16 grandchildren: Jacquelin, Jasmin, Les, Ash, Casey, Nick, Justin, Michael, Jerry, Alyssa, Jack, Riley, Angela, Gavin, Addison, and Alivia, as well as her 18 great-grandchildren, each a testament to her enduring love and nurturing spirit.
Lynne’s family was her heart and soul. She was a remarkable woman who welcomed everyone into her home with open arms and a warm meal. Her extraordinary culinary talents were well-known, and she took immense joy in feeding not just her family, but anyone who found their way to her table. If you left Lynne’s house hungry, it was surely your own fault. Her home was a haven of warmth and acceptance, where friends became family and all were made to feel at home.
A lifelong fan of the Chicago Cubs and Bulls, Lynne’s passion for sports was rivaled only by her love of music. The Beatles held a special place in her heart, and their melodies often filled her home, creating a backdrop for countless memories. Lynne’s love for music was infectious, and she shared it freely, ensuring that joy was a constant presence in her life and the lives of those around her.
Beyond her immediate family, Lynne is survived by her siblings Judy Spitzer, Bunny Gilmore, Lin Taetz, Ellen Pearce, Nick Faust, and Warren (Chip) Faust. Her love extended beyond blood, touching the lives of many who considered her a second mom or grandma.
Lynne’s spirit will forever be remembered at the annual 'Faust Family Reunion,' a tradition she eagerly anticipated each summer. It was here that her love for family and her zest for life were most evident, as she reveled in the company of those she held dear.
In honoring Lynne’s memory, we celebrate a life filled with love, generosity, and unwavering kindness. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of all who knew her, a testament to a remarkable woman whose impact will be felt for generations to come.
A service to honor Lynne’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Lynne’s memory to a charity of your choice, as a way to continue her legacy of love and giving.