Lynn Akey

Published 1:10 pm Wednesday, January 10, 2024

Aug. 14, 1955-Jan. 5, 2024

Lynn Ann Akey, 68, of Niles; wife, mother, daughter, sister, pet parent, and baseball fan died peacefully Jan. 5, 2024, in the arms of her husband, in their home, following an extended illness.

She was born on Aug. 14, 1955, to Harold W. and Jacquelynn J. (Roland) Munger and lived in the Niles area her entire life. A 1973 graduate of Niles High School, she continued her education in graphic arts at Southwestern Michigan College.  Lynn worked at many businesses across Michiana, including: the former Letcher’s Family Restaurant, Stop-in Restaurant, IPU in Niles and Nuway Thrift Store.

Lynn was very passionate about her family and animals. She loved hosting family gatherings that brought people together. From Christmas Eve dinners to Memorial Day cookouts, her laugh brought smiles to everyone and too many memories to count.

She loved Jimmy Buffett music and the St. Louis Cardinals, having been attracted by her family’s namesake, All-Star pitcher George “Red” Munger. She enjoyed camping with her family, often at Melville’s 7-Lakes Family Campground near Marcellus, but also throughout Michigan, including a tour of the Upper Peninsula.

She loved animals, and always had a pet at home.

On June 16, 1990, in the gazebo in Galien, Michigan, she married Timothy R. Akey with whom she celebrated their thirty-third wedding anniversary last year.

Surviving family includes her husband, Tim Akey and step- daughter, Nina Jean Akey of Niles; father, Harold Munger of South Bend; siblings, Mark Munger of Galien, Eric (Kerrie) Munger of Vancouver, Wash., and Dana (Randy) Neilson of Niles; nieces and nephews including Mika and Jaden Munger, Austin (Ashley) Neilson and their child, Nathaniel, and Kelsey (Stephen) Weaver and their children, Brynn and Leah.  Lynn is also survived by a great circle of wonderful friends.

Lynn loved life, her husband, family, animals and friends. She left a lasting impact on everyone around her and will be greatly missed. Her family will gather privately to share memories and honor her life. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Lynn’s memory may be made to the Yeager Family Pet Shelter of the Humane Society of Southwestern Michigan, 5400 Niles Road, Saint Joseph, Michigan 49085, humanesocietyswm.org.

Arrangements were completed at the Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home, 615 East Main Street in Niles.