Obituary
Lynn Marie Duncan
Of Trempealeau- Lynn Marie Duncan, 70, passed away peacefully on August 12, 2025 at Emplify Health in La Crosse. She was born August 27, 1954 to Neil and Marian (George) Abts. Lynn married Jeffrey Duncan in September 1997 at their home in Trempealeau.
Lynn graduated from Cochrane-Fountain City High School and then Winona State with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She dedicated the last 30 years to Public Health for Winona County. She enjoyed gardening, visiting Bayfield, WI, and walking her beloved Lab, Kya.
She is survived by her husband, Jeffrey Duncan; sister, Kathy (Jeff) Hayter; brother, James (Betsy) Abts; nephews, Keith Hayter, Kyle Hayter, Brandon Abts, John Salsman, Jacob Salsman; 1 great-niece, 3 great-nephews and many other relatives and friends.
She is preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Joseph Abts.
Her family would like to thank Emplify Onalaska Renal and Dialysis Unit, Oncology and staff on 3rd and 6th floor at Emplify, Dr. Ojalabi, Dr. Lee, and PA Hannah for their excellent care and compassion.
A gathering of family and friends will take place on Wednesday, August 27, 2025 from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at The Gathering Place, 133 Mason Street, Onalaska. Lynn loved flowers. If you prefer donations, please consider giving to Cancer Research at Emplify Health. Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting the family.
To view Lynn’s memorial video click the link here: https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/S463YX43X9BBLXZW?e=1
Lynn
I will miss you so much
We had so many good times together
You were the best friend ever
Rest In Peace.
I was heartbroken to hear of the passing of my dear friend and former colleague, Lynn Duncan. I had the privilege of working with Lynn at Winona County Public Health, where she inspired me every day with her unwavering dedication, quiet strength, and deep compassion for the people she served. She truly embodied what it means to serve with heart.
When I had stepped away from public health for a time, it was Lynn who helped guide me back to the field I loved. Her belief in me and her encouragement meant more than words can say. That’s just who Lynn was — always lifting others up, always giving of herself without expecting anything in return.
I missed her so much when she retired, but her care for others never stopped. Even in retirement, she continued to help people in any way she could. We stayed connected over the years, meeting yearly when she came to buy mums from me — she loved flowers so much, and it always made me smile to see her light up around them. She even visited me when I had my hip replacements, a gesture that spoke volumes about her thoughtfulness and the way she stayed present in people’s lives.
Lynn had a heart that never stopped giving. She touched so many lives — including mine — with her kindness, her work ethic, and her enduring friendship. I will miss her deeply, but I will carry her spirit with me always.
“To the world you may be one person; but to one person you may be the world.”
— Dr. Seuss
I had the pleasure of working with Lynn at Winona County. She was always so sweet, compassionate and always moving. She had a great work ethic and it was very evident she cared about her client’s well being. Lynn was a gift that will be missed. My deepest condolences.
Farewell Dear Lynn, see you on the other side.
Fondly,
Jeanine
So sorry to hear of Lynn’s passing. Hugh’s and prayers to family and friends 🌹🥲❤️
Deepest sympathies to Jeff & Lynn’s sister Kathy and their respective famlies upon Lynn’s sudden passing. She was a sweet soul. I always enjoyed our chats as she walked her dog, Kya. Hugs & prayers, rest in peace Lynn.
Oh Jeff Duncan , I am so very sorry for your loss and just know that Lynn will be missed by many.. I will miss our talks about our flowers 💐 and all the weeding over the fence line between you and us. Also I will miss our talks between our driveways after her walking miss Kya about our plans for the day.. We shared her love 💗 of irises.. Thank you for letting me help her.. I will truly miss her and cherish the last few months we spent together….
Lynn will be missed so much for her smile, helpfulness and as a friend/former coworker with Winona County Public Health.
Jeff – We all enjoyed getting to know Lynn during her time with us on Dialysis. Watching the eagle cam, hearing stories about Kya, reminiscing of her days working in healthcare, & all the adventures she had with you. She was a bright light in our day and a kind soul who will be dearly missed. Thinking of you during this difficult time, we hope you find comfort in knowing you were a wonderful caregiver to Lynn. Sincerely, Emplify by Gundersen Renal Acute LaCrosse staff & Outpatient Staff
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Lynn. We used to work together in the early 90’s on 3West at Gundersen. Lynn was an excellent nurse who advocated for her patients. She was also an excellent colleague to work with. I will always remember her smile and laugh.
Lynn your suffering has ended, you are now surrounded by beauty and peace. You were truly loved on earth but now you are surrounded by Gods love. We will miss till we see you.
Lynn will always be remembered for her dedication to her patients, her beautiful smile, and wonderful sense of humor. I worked with Lynn at Winona County and she always had the best outlook, even on the worse days. She brought joy to everyone she encountered. I will always remember her infectious laugh; I can almost hear it now as I think of Lynn.
My deepest condolences to Lynn’s family and friends. I share you loss and sorrow.
I was fortunate to be able to work closely with Lynn in serving our clients at the county. Over time we developed a friendship that will always be treasured in my heart. Lynn worked diligently at making a difference to make other’s lives better. She had a stellar attitude and a sense of humor to match it! She was the salt of the earth. She was such a kind, caring and understanding person. She spread joy wherever she went. I will always remember her smile as it lit up the room. She will be missed by many but remembered for her loving spirit.
Thinking of you Jeff and Lynn’s family members. She loved you and you shared her great joy and love of life. Blessings to you all.
Deepest condolences to her husband Jeff and to her sister Kate and to all of the families.. I will miss our many conversations we had over the fence between the two yards about our gardening and all of our weeding and how our work is never done… Lynn you were always smiling and I will think of you often.. Rest in peace my friend..
My sincere condolences to Jeff and family on the loss of Lynn! She was a beautiful soul and she will be deeply missed. I worked with Lynn early in my career and then a few years before she retired! She was the type of nurse I would want to care for me… very caring , loving and non-judgemental person. She will be missed by many!
Lynn was such a kind person. I worked with Lynn at Winona County. She went above and beyond to help her clients. She was always willing to offer her nursing expertise. She was always very compassionate and caring. After we retired, I enjoyed our lunch gatherings and occasional glass of white wine. She talked often of Jeff, her dog and her family. She will be dearly missed.
Jeff, my heart goes out to you for a loss of what sounded like a wonderful woman.
Lynn was such a kind and loving soul. I worked with her at Winona County Public Health. I was a HHA and I saw first hand the kind of care and positivity she brought to each of her clients. She could light up a room with her smile and laugh. I respected her so much. She is an example of what nursing stands for. My heartfelt condolences to Jeff and family members. 🌺🌻🌷