Lynn Shafer

Lynn Ann (Stevens) Shafer

Age 80, of Stillwater, MN, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on March 12, 2023 after a two month battle with endocarditis. She was preceded in death by her parents, Franklin and Portia (Weeks) Stevens. Lynn grew up in Duluth, attending Duluth East public schools, graduated from Skidmore College in 1964 with a degree in social work, later becoming certified in early childhood education. She used her education and passion for family, children and community to co-establish Warm World Day Care Center in Stillwater, MN and devoted herself to numerous volunteer organization that matched her strong values.

She married the love of her life and best friend, Dean Shafer in 1964. They had three children, and many others relied on her as a mother figure.  She was the consummate community volunteer: founding board member of St. Croix Valley Foundation, ArtReach Alliance, and United Way Pillars; board member of Stillwater Sunrise Rotary, Family Means, Boy and Girl Scout Den/Troop Leader, 4-H Volunteer, AAUW and Junior League. In addition to establishing child care/development centers and extensive volunteer work, she creatively re-invented herself throughout her exuberant life as a shepherdess, entrepreneur, wool-artist, teacher, and water aerobics instructor.

Lynn loved to love. Everything she did, she did big. She savored conversations like she savored a good meal (with happy hours). She collected deep friendships, cookbooks, cookie cutters and chunky necklaces. She had enough hobbies and clubs to keep most people busy for several lives — luncheon and gourmet clubs, investment clubs, from raising daycare children to raising sheep and other pets, numerous volunteer organizations and bible study groups. Now, she can rest! Above all else, she was most proud of her marriage to Dean and the family they raised together.

She is survived by her husband Dean; son Dan Shafer and his wife, Kelly; daughter Laura Meyer and her husband Chris; daughter Lisa Shafer and her husband Tony Goldenstein; sister Lael (Stevens) Carter, and brother Everett Stevens. She was a devoted grandmother to: Joshua and Mason Shafer; Lilian, Sam, and George Meyer; Elsa and Lila Shafer-Goldenstein.

A visitation will be held at Bradshaw Celebration of Life Center on March 30 from 4-7pm. A Celebration of Life will be held at Ascension Episcopal Church, 214 3rd St N, Stillwater, on Friday March 31 at 11am. Lunch immediately following in the parish hall.

In lieu of flowers, and in memory of Lynn’s dedication to her community, please donate to St. Croix Valley Foundation www.scvfoundation.org (after clicking on this link, click "donate" on right side of screen to get to General Operating Fund) and toast to a well lived, faith-filled life with a martini.