Lynn (Gruenholz) Caldwell

Lynn Gruenholz Caldwell, 93, passed on to her heavenly home on Sunday, November 23 at approximately 5 a.m.  Lynn was born on Jan. 29, 1932 in Huntington, West Virginia to Albert and Helen Gruenholz.  On March 20, 1955, Lynn married Howard Caldwell Jr., who preceded her in death on Sept. 11, 2017.

In the midst of The Great Depression, the Gruenholz family made its way to Terre Haute, Indiana where Lynn was raised. A 1950 graduate of Garfield High School, Lynn earned a degree in speech pathology in 1954 from Indiana State Teachers College. She then earned a masters in special education in 1955.

While an undergrad student at Indiana State, Lynn met the young man who would be her husband of 62 years. Howard Caldwell was living in Terre Haute where he worked at the radio and television station WTHI. The two were married on March 20, 1955 at Terre Haute Baptist Church. Daughters Tracy and Ginny were born in Terre Haute before Howard was hired by the Indianapolis television station WFBM, later WRTV. A third daughter, Susan, was then born, and it was in Indianapolis where Lynn and Howard would make their home. When Susan entered first grade, Lynn began a 10-year career as a speech pathologist for Lawrence Township Schools. When she retired, she was able to fulfill her passion of being a wife, mother and grandmother.

Lynn enjoyed several decades as a beloved "Ninny" to her seven grandchildren. The family home in Indianapolis served as the hub for family gatherings and annual summer Lugar-Caldwell reunions for many years. She and her grandchildren enjoyed outings to the Indianapolis Indians games, special Christmas performances at the American Cabaret Theatre, as well as summer visits to Lake Maxinkuckee.

However, Lynn had another passion, the theatre. Although her husband was well-known due to appearing daily on television, it was Lynn who possessed the natural gifts suited for the stage. In 1955, Lynn was chosen to play the lead in Sabrina Fair at the Community Theatre of Terre Haute. The program states that Lynn “brings a freshness and vivacity to the role.”

Lynn was also blessed with an incredible sense of humor. When asked what other parts she played over the years, Lynn chuckled and said, “I was always the lead.” She also told this story on herself: In Indianapolis, she became involved in the Irvington Civic Theatre. At a rehearsal, a lady introduced herself to Lynn as her prompter. Lynn responded, “I don’t need a prompter.” During the performance when Lynn needed a prompter, she sought out the lady who, standing off-stage, smiled and waved.

In Indianapolis, Lynn became a leader, supporter and enthusiast of theatre organizations. She was a founding member of The Theatre Arts Guild, whose purpose was to support and promote the American Cabaret Theatre. In 2013, after having served three terms as its president, that organization named her “Woman of the Year.” Also, this passion for the theatre motivated Lynn and three of her friends to travel to New York City to see Aida and Chicago in the aftermath of the 9-11 tragedy. After one performance, Lynn mentioned that the cast came out for a bow and ended up applauding and throwing roses to the audience.

Lynn was baptized in 1953 at Terre Haute Baptist Church, and in Indianapolis, was a member of Castleton United Methodist Church. Upon her move to Kokomo in 2023, Lynn became a member of Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer.

Left to treasure her memory are: three daughters Tracy (Dan) Reidy, Ginny Hingst and Susan (Rick) Hutchins; seven grandchildren Sean (Makala) Reidy, Rebecca (Nick) McCarthy and Michael (fiancee- Brittany) Reidy, Jack (Monica) Hingst, Katie (Jeremy) Russell, Benji (Nikki) Fountain and Patrick (fiancee – Lexi) Fountain. Eight great-grandchildren Griffin, Simon and Maggie Reidy; Ana Gabriela Hingst, Vera, Wade and Grant Russell and Graham Fountain. Also surviving are niece Lora Gruenholz Gervais and sister-in-law Char Lugar.

Preceding Lynn in death were her parents, her husband Howard Caldwell Jr, brother Herm Gruenholz, and son-in-law Bill Hingst. Also, brothers-in-law Richard and Tom Lugar and sisters-in-law Anne Johnson and Sally Lugar.

The family would like to extend its deepest gratitude to the excellent care Lynn received in her final years. A special thanks to Primrose and Five Star living facilities of Kokomo, in addition to Paradigm Hospice Services. Memorial contributions may be made in Lynn’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association or to Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer in Kokomo.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 26 at 11 AM with a funeral service to follow at 1 PM at Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer, 705 Southway Blvd E., Kokomo with Pastor John Dreyer officiating. A private burial service will occur later at Crown Hill Cemetery, Indianapolis. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.

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