Lynn A. Houston

A gentle light has passed from the lives of many.  Lynn Anne (Gunn) Houston entered into the arms of her savior on Friday, October 18, 2024, at the age of 68. She was committed to being an organ donor, and so her final act on earth was to provide a lifesaving gift to others.

Lynn was born on December 6, 1955, in Buffalo, NY, to Robert and Eileen (Bückner) Gunn. She grew up in the area, graduating from Bishop Neumann High School in 1973. She later attended SUNY Oswego and Buffalo State University, where she earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in speech language therapy. Looking for adventure far from home, she moved to McCook, Neb., to begin her career as a speech language pathologist. She excelled at and loved this service career and was dedicated to blessing her students for more than 26 years until her declining health forced her to retire early.

Lynn met Michael “Mike” Houston in 1992 in Nebraska City, where she was working at the Nebraska School for the Visually Handicapped. Mike was immediately smitten with this kind-hearted and smart woman with a bright smile. Lynn was ever a classy dresser and took great pride in her appearance. Mike and Lynn were married July 24, 1993, in Bellevue, Neb., and it became a cherished family story to recall that after the wedding, the couple went through a drive-through to get Lynn coffee before the reception. She loved a strong cup of coffee. During their 31 years of marriage, the couple enjoyed travel, regularly visiting Kansas City as well as locations farther from home including England and Canada.
Mike and Lynn became parents in 1998 when they adopted Jessica and Amber. Lynn loved being a mother and later a grandmother. Lynn’s love language was gifts, as many of her family members can attest. She enjoyed finding special, unusual items to express her affection. She also had a passion for antiquing and home decorating, and her home was always filled with unique art and items. Her love of antiques took a leap when she found an historic home in Nebraska City in 2013 that she couldn't live without. She and Mike moved from Bellevue to Nebraska City, and their beautiful home in the small town became a sanctuary for Lynn in her final years. She was pleased to make her home a tranquil and welcoming place for friends and relatives to gather, to share a meal or to sip coffee on the porch and catch up.

Lynn was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Eileen. She is survived by her husband Mike Houston of Nebraska City; siblings:  Robert (Nancy) Gunn of Paducah, KY and Colleen (Tyson) Payne of Memphis, TN; a nephew, Gordon Gunn, of Memphis; children Jessica (Jason) Murray of Norfolk, NE and their children Kinsely, Raydon, and Alexander; and Amber (Marcus) Collins of Council Bluffs, IA and their children Elliot and Rhysa; step-sons John (Laura) Houston of Nebraska City, NE and children Victoria and Mike; and Mark (Chrystal) Houston, of York, NE and children Lily, Fiona, and Eleanor. 

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church (218 N 6th Street, Nebraska City), where Lynn was a member, on Thursday, October 24, at 11 a.m.   Fr. Jonathan Haschke will officiate and will also offer a rosary before the service starting at 10:30 a.m.  The family will greet friends at the church from 9:45 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.   A brief graveside service will follow at Wyuka Cemetery, then all are invited back to the church hall for a celebration of life luncheon.

Memorial gifts may be directed to Live On Nebraska, https://liveonnebraska.org, 3867 Leavenworth St., Omaha, NE 68105.

Gude Mortuary, Nebr. City, NE in charge of the arrangements.

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