Lois Lynn Ganz

Lois Lynn (Golian) Ganz was born on December 6, 1946, to Olive Lucille Gilbert and Oliver Andrew Golian – you read that right, her parents were Olive and Oliver. She passed away from natural causes at her home in Bonita Springs, Florida on Sunday, August 16, 2026, at the age of 79. 

She is survived by her two children, Nathan Strycker and Missy (Strycker) Parks, both of whom reside in Colorado. Lynn also has five beautiful grandchildren, each of whom she loved dearly. One of her deepest loves was being “Gigi” to Victoria, Allia, EJ, Dylan, and Lucy. This summer, she was blessed to spend special time in Colorado with Missy and Nate, their families, and her grandchildren. Those moments together became precious memories that her family will carry with them forever. 

Lynn was an only child, but throughout her life she longed for meaningful relationships, especially with family. During her younger years, her Uncle Dud and Aunt Betty played an important role in helping raise her. She worked hard to nurture lifelong friendships and treasured the people who became part of her life. For Lynn, people and relationships mattered most. 

Lynn was a wife, mother, grandmother, and friend who loved her family deeply. She lived with passion, determination, and drive, always believing that every moment of life should matter. She did not like to sit still. She was a dreamer who wanted to see the world and experience all that life had to offer. She viewed the world through a colorful and curious lens, finding beauty and joy in both the extraordinary and the everyday. 

Lynn earned her Bachelors Degree at Taylor University, and her first career was teaching Kindergarden. She later spent time doing Interior Design, owned a Balloon Company called “Happy Helium” and went on to get her Masters Degree in Counseling at UCCS.  

Her greatest treasures were her relationship with God, her children and grandchildren, and the many people she loved. She also had a long list of things that brought her joy: the ocean, traveling, playing the piano, Christmas music, Jeopardy, painting, writing, thrifting, sunshine, fresh air, and spending time with both old friends and new ones. She believed in getting 30 minutes of sunshine every day—and she did her best to make sure everyone around her knew it! 

After retiring, Lynn moved to Bonita Springs, Florida, where she built a special circle of friends and found a church community that welcomed her warmly. She became deeply involved in her church’s mission and discovered a meaningful way to serve others. 

One of the accomplishments she was most proud of was her work with Valerie’s House, where she served as a grief counselor for families who had experienced the loss of a loved one. Lynn was passionate about advocating for those walking through grief and wanted to be a voice for people who were hurting. The mission of Valerie’s House touched her deeply, and helping others gave her tremendous joy and purpose. 

Lynn—Mom—Gigi lived a full and unforgettable life. She was independent, curious, feisty, passionate, and intense. She had strong beliefs, strong opinions, and a presence that could light up a room. She made an impact on countless lives simply by being herself. 

She was beautifully and uniquely Lynn. 

She was a gift to all of us. 

We love you, Mom. 

We will miss you, Gigi. 

And we will carry your love, your stories, your laughter, and your unforgettable spirit with us always. 

Love, Missy & Nathan 

Lynn’s Celebration of Life was held at her church on August 25 at Unity Church of Bonita Springs.  You can watch a recording of the service [here]. 

https://www.youtube.com/live/rgGaH1fsI3U

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation to [Valerie’s House], an organization deeply close to Lynn’s heart.

https://valerieshouse.org/