Lynn McClatchey

Lynn McClatchey, 70, of Linn Grove passed away at her home in Ankeny on Sept. 29, 2026.

Lynn was born on June 4, 1956, in Belmond to Herman and Ruth Groen. She spent her life giving of herself to the people around her, leaving behind a legacy of love, strength, laughter and countless lives touched along the way.

In 1975, Lynn married Steve McClatchey, the love of her life. Together, they shared more than five decades of marriage and built a life centered around family, devotion and an enduring love that carried them through both the joys and challenges of life. They had two children, Amanda and Brandon. Their relationship was an example of commitment and faithfulness, and the love they shared remained a source of strength throughout the years.

Lynn devoted more than 20 years of her life to teaching at Aurelia School and Sioux Central. She taught hundreds of students over the years, but her impact went far beyond the classroom. She had a particular gift for seeing the good in her students and making them feel that they mattered. Her dedication and compassion earned her several Teacher of the Year awards. She was also very active in her faith as a member of the church in Linn Grove and later finding a second church home in Ankeny. 

Those who knew Lynn also knew her wonderful laugh — a laugh that could fill a room and bring joy to those around her.

Above all, Lynn cherished her family. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother and a proud grandmother.

Lynn faced many difficult years with remarkable strength and grace. Even as multiple sclerosis challenged her body and took away things she once could do, it could never take away the person she was. She continued to meet life with courage and rarely complained. Her strength was quiet but unmistakable, and it was something her family admired deeply. She showed those who loved her what it means to persevere with dignity, faith and grace, even in the face of circumstances that could have broken the spirit.

Lynn’s faith brought her comfort, especially toward the end of her life. While her family mourns the tremendous loss of her presence here on Earth, they find peace in knowing that she is now free from the suffering her body endured for so many years. Lynn’s life was a gift, and her influence will continue through the family she loved, the students she taught and the countless people who were fortunate enough to know her.

Lynn was preceded in death by her parents, Herman and Ruth Groen.

She leaves behind her husband Steve; children, Amanda McClatchey and Brandon (Laura) McClatchey; sister Jane (Dave) Casne; and her beloved grandchildren: Marley, Savannah and Grayson, who brought her immeasurable joy. She also leaves behind the many students, friends, family members and others whose lives she touched throughout her life. Her love will live on in each of them, and while her family will miss her more than words can express, they will carry her memory, her laughter, her strength and her love with them always. May we all find peace knowing that she is finally free, wrapped in the Lord’s arms, laughing and running again, just as she always deserved to.

Family will greet guests from 12-1:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 8, at Riverside Church in Linn Grove. Memorial service to follow at 2 p.m., also at the church. Please visit www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com to leave condolences.