Lynn Victor Vermeulen

Vermeulen, Lynn Victor

Our beloved Lynn Victor Vermeulen, age 80, of Clarklake, MI, passed away peacefully on his birthday, September 5, 2024, after a short battle with a rare complication of lymphoma. He was surrounded by love and celebrated at his home. Born on September 5, 1944, Lynn was preceded in death by his parents, Franklin C. Vermeulen and Helen Hagy of Jackson, MI, and his sister, Kay Nichols of Austin, Texas.
Lynn graduated from Jackson High School, where he distinguished himself as an All-American swimmer and captain of the swim team. He proudly earned a degree in Economics from Michigan State University and went on to lead Vermeulen Furniture Inc. as president for 45 years, also opening La-Z-Boy stores in Portage and Lansing.

An active member of the Jackson community, Lynn served as Chairman of the Midtown Association and held a position on the Board of Directors for the Jackson Chamber of Commerce. He was renowned in Clarklake, MI, as a National Champion water skier, for which he was inducted into the Water Ski Hall of Fame. Additionally, he served as Commodore of Hobie Fleet 58 and was a top competitor on Clarklake known for its abundance of Hobie cats.  Lynn's athletic achievements extended to paddleball; he was a National Champion and regularly played at the Jackson YMCA, where he was Chairman of the Board for 14 years. He also coached the Jackson Orca Swim Team at the YMCA for three years, supporting his daughter's passion for swimming.

In his final decade, Lynn dedicated his life to shaping the futures of his children, Nate Vermeulen and Maggie Bissett. An avid hunter, fisherman, and gardener, he delighted in crafting gourmet meals. Lynn loved and cared for his wife, Patty Bisbee Vermeulen, until her untimely passing from pancreatic cancer. He lived his life to the fullest and often expressed that he had no regrets. Lynn was successful, raised two wonderful children, and cherished his many grandchildren. He missed his wife deeply, and many say they are now together again, planning dinner parties for all their friends and hosting cocktail hours on a grand boat.

Lynn's generosity and kindness touched countless lives; he was a hero to many and will be sadly missed.

He is survived by his two children, Nate Vermeulen (Leslie) of Jackson, MI, and Maggie Bissett (Brett) of Hickory Corners, MI; grandchildren Reese and Lincoln Vermeulen, Lyla, Rowdy, and Colt Bissett; his sister, Linda Lighthall (Bill) of Ann Arbor, MI; Patty' Bisbee Vermeulen's extended family and the employees he treated as family.

A private funeral service will be held at Desnoyer Funeral Home on Wednesday, September 18, 2024. A Celebration of Life for Lynn will take place at the Country Club of Jackson on Wednesday, September 18, 2024 from 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are appreciated to the YMCA of Jackson or the Clarklake Spirit Foundation.

Desnoyer Funeral Home
Family Owned for 134 Years