REPUBLIC, Mich. - Belinda Rose "Lyn" Wixtrom, 60, of Republic, died peacefully at her home ,after a courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by her loving family on Saturday, July 21, 2012.
Lyn was born August 12, 1951, in Detroit, MI, the daughter of Robert and Louise (Ricketts) Reinhardt. She graduated from Centerline High School in 1969 and continued her education at the University of Michigan where she earned a degree in nursing. In 1974 she enlisted in the United States Air Force where she served nearly 10 years, completed multiple training courses and was awarded several decorations and citations including the AF Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster, the AF Longevity Service Ribbon with oak leaf cluster, the National Defense Service Medal, the AF Outstanding Unit Award and the AF Overseas Short Tour Ribbon with one device. She attended Grand Rapids School of the Bible and Music where she graduated with top honors in 1986 with a major in missions.
She married Michael Wixtrom of Republic on March 19, 1988 in Grand Rapids, MI. The couple built their home in Witch Lake, MI. where she helped build the family businesses- Hammers&Horses, and Wixtrom Natural Farms. She had a passion for healthy living and recently worked as office manager for the Wellness Center of Marquette. She loved learning and passed this trait on to her children through homeschooling. She was an avid reader and enjoyed gardening.
The family attends Grace Baptist Church in Kingsford.
Lyn is survived by her husband, Michael; three children, Seth, Rachel and Matthew, all of Republic; her parents, Command Sergeant Major (Ret) Robert and Louise Reinhardt of Republic; her mother-in-law, Helen Wixtrom of Republic; two brothers-in-law, Gregory Wixtrom of Republic and Kelvin(Chris) Wixtrom of Bath, MI; a niece, two nephews and many cousins.
She was preceded in death by her father-in-law, James Wixtrom.
Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.CST on Tuesday, July 24 at Grace Baptist Church in Kingsford. Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m. CST.
Pastor Wynne Kimbrough will officiate. The American Legion Post 50 of Iron Mountain will conduct military honors at the church prior to the service.
Burial will be in Republic Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established in Lyn's name.
Condolences may be expressed to the family of Lyn Wixtrom online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com
The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home with the funeral arrangements.