Art L. Lynest

Art Lynest, 87, Hancock passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, March 21, 2016 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Art was born on July 3, 1928 to Arthur and Nedra Lynest. He was raised on a farm near Cloverdale, Illinois. Art often shared how at six and a half years old he was driving a truck to town, was responsible for chores on the farm, and played his harmonica to his pony Sandy in the barn. He joined the Navy and served during World War II. Patriotism was at the core of his being and one way of demonstrating this was driving his black truck with flags waving proudly. In 2013 Art had the privilege to be part of the Never Forgotten Honor Flight. He felt it was one of the happiest days of his life.

For the majority of his life Art lived and worked in the Chicago area being a very successful business man; owning and operating an excavating business. He referred to it as dirt work, but saw each project as a challenge needing an artist’s perfect touch. Art started coming to Hancock many years ago using it as an escape from the business and the perfect opportunity to hunt.

Art loved being outdoors. He loved being in the woods; whether he was hunting, working or simply relaxing. It wasn’t uncommon to find him deep in the woods with a chainsaw in hand nor uncommon to find him on a summer evening in a lawn chair next to a crackling campfire with the stars up above. He created a sanctuary with trees, meadows, and rock on his 100 acres of land. He was very proud of his 1000 year fence along FF. He placed each rock with precision using his Bobcat, one of his favorite things to operate. Another outdoor activity that he loved was fishing in Canada. Some of his favorite memories were the great catches, being with friends, and making shore lunch.

Art had the belief that each day was truly a gift and that he would make the best of every situation, leave behind more than he took, and change the world by showing compassion, making someone smile and always gave to help others who were in need. His sense of humor certainly touched so many.

Art loved music and loved to dance. He and Linda traveled around the upper Midwest to hear their favorite musicians perform - two very special groups being BB Secrist & His Rockin 88’s along with Lovin Country. A whole family of music friends evolved from this love of music and dance. They have so lovingly supported and cared for Art through these last months of illness.

Art was strong in his faith and was a member of St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Plainfield and proudly served with the Knights of Columbus.

Art was proceeded in death by his two children, Kevin, who passed away on March 25, 1995 and Nedranne, who passed away on July 8, 2011. He was also proceeded in death by his parents and one sister.

Art is survived by the love of his life of many years, Linda Bartram.

He is also survived by his sisters Nedralyce and Elaine, along with nieces, nephews, and many close friends. He is also survived by his beloved GG, his loyal Rottweiler. He loved the “girls” in his life and cherished the memories of all his Rottweilers, Pumpkin, Gretta, Garbo and Bella.

A visitation will be held on Monday, March 28 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Stahl Funeral Home in Plainfield. A Catholic Mass will be held on Tuesday morning, March 29 at 11:00 am at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Plainfield.