Shaun Lynch

There are times in life when there are no answers to unfair questions, leaving us only with a resounding emptiness that resides in the depths of our souls. Why Shaun Lynch was taken from his friends and loved ones in the prime of his life is one such question that will remain forever unanswered. Shaun was a vibrant and fun-loving young man who was on fire for life and the heartbeat of wherever he was. He had an ever-present smile that could brighten up even the darkest of days and was able to find the happiness around him that so many of us can easily miss. Shaun was fiercely protective of his younger siblings and genuinely cared about the well being of everyone within his reach. Life will never be the same without him here, but his memory will remain forever near and dear to the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

The year 1996 was a year to remember in American history as technology was repeatedly transforming the way we lived our daily lives. This was the year that DVD’s were introduced and we learned to “ask Jeeves” while Alanis Morissette and the Foo Fighters topped the charts. This same year brought great joy to Joseph Lynch and Katina Gersch as they welcomed a healthy baby boy at one minute past midnight on April 18th in Sandwich, Illinois. Shaun Michael was as easy going as they come right from the start as he rarely cried, only grunting when he needed something - a true delight to his parents, Joseph and Kelly, in every way.

As a student Shaun attended local schools including Herscher High School where he was a percussionist in the band and more recently began playing the tuba. With his outgoing personality and adventurous spirit, Shaun was popular among his peers and made friends with ease. An avid sports enthusiast, he came home from school every day and promptly turned on SportsCenter to catch up on the happenings in the world of sports while he was gone.

Although he was only 16, Shaun had wisdom and character well beyond his years. He faced hardships in his life, but already these experiences had shaped Shaun into an extraordinary young man. He had the ability to find joy all around him and was forever willing to offer unconditional love to others with no strings attached. Shaun was filled with great determination and was able to accomplish anything he put his mind to, and he was passionate about the things he believed in as well. He was a free spirited person who never shied away from doing things his own way, which usually meant a bit unconventionally. Shaun was a loyal guy who never let anything ruffle his feathers and a calming presence to those around him. He had the best sense of humor and saw to it that those around him enjoyed life every bit as much as he did. Shaun was famous for playing jokes on others and was always up for a good time - even if that meant making his own fun.

As his friends and family can attest, the list of things that Shaun didn’t love was short. Fishing was one of his greatest passions, and it was one he shared with his grandmother. At the suggestion of his family Shaun kissed every minnow for good luck before baiting his hook, and he taught his younger brothers the tricks of the trade, too. On one occasion he was fishing with his Uncle Kris in California, and the only fish anyone caught was one that was so poisonous it would send anyone who touched it to the hospital. It comes as no surprise to those who knew Shaun that this didn’t deter him from trying to touch it one bit! He enjoyed simple things like climbing trees, riding bikes, playing baseball and basketball, listening to music, and playing video games on his Xbox.

Many of the things Shaun enjoyed most were favorites when they were shared with his friends and loved ones. Watching sports together was a common activity with his family, and the family rivalries between sports teams were legendary. Shaun teamed up with his grandmother cheering on the White Sox over his grandfather’s beloved Cubs, and as far as football goes it was the Dallas Cowboys over the Chicago Bears any day in Shaun’s book. There were also lively NASCAR races enjoyed with Katina on Sunday afternoons when he was convinced that Jeff Gordon would win over Earnhardt every time. Shaun was such a huge Gordon fan that his Jeff Gordon coat his mother bought him was almost like an appendage - so much so that it was permanently stained. He was also known to drive family members around in a golf cart like a wild man and was so much fun to watch bouncing around like a rag doll while tubing until he finally fell off. Perhaps his most memorable time with his family was spent streaking around town wearing only their shoes in the middle of January or it could also have been his creative rendition of the “Lazy Song.”

With his magnetic personality, Shaun was one to draw attention. He was secure in his own skin, something that few people of his age can master. Shaun wasn’t afraid to wear a pink shirt that said “Tough Guys Wear Pink,” and his earring caused great debate among family members, too. He brought family gatherings to life challenging his father, Uncle Bobby, and Uncle Mike to a wrestling match, giving all three of them a run for their money at the same time. Christmas found Shaun playing Santa and passing out gifts - a genuine kid at heart.

Taken from his family and friends much too soon, Shaun Lynch leaves behind timeless wisdom, irreplaceable lessons, and priceless memories. He made a significant impact in the lives of many and will never be forgotten.

Shaun Michael Lynch of Herscher died on Sunday, July 29, 2012. Shaun was preceded in death by his brother, Anthony (AJ), and his Aunt Boo. Shaun’s family includes his mother, Kelly Hill (Brad Stilts); father, Joseph Lynch (Jill Goodwin) of Limestone; brothers, Zach Lynch, Gage Stilts, and Caden Goodwin; sisters, Alyssa Lynch, Annabelle Stilts, and Austin VonRhein; additional brothers, Devon and Cody Rose; grandparents, John & Debra Lynch of Bourbonnais, Kevin & Ellen Hill of Bonfield, Ken & Lydia Gersch of South Chicago Heights, and Valheria & Randy Gengler of Yorkville; great-grandparents, Geraldine Mann, Dorothy Kohan, Dorothy Prince, Elaine Gengler and Shirley Habyan along with many loving aunts, uncles and cousins; special uncle, Tony Olivera; and best friends, Corday Lawrence and Cody Merillat. Shaun was preceded in death by his brother, Anthony (AJ); his Aunt Boo; great-grandfathers, Harry Mann, Melvin Prince, George Gersch, and John Gengler; and cousin, Kari Layne Clawson. All services will be held at the Herscher Christian Church with visitation on Friday from 4-7 p.m. and funeral on Saturday at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at the Deselm Cemetery. Rev. Ryan Baker will officiate. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the Shaun Lynch Memorial Fund at the Herscher State Bank. Schreffler's Life Story Funeral Homes are in charge of services. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a memory and sign the guestbook.