Lynn R. DeFries

Lynn R. DeFries, 72 of Elkhart, Indiana passed away June 27, 2009 after a long illness at home.
Lynn was born in Chicago, IL. To Richard and Vera (Myers) DeFries on June 4, 1937. Lynn graduated from LaPaz, Indiana High School in 1956, and also attended IUSB.
On April 30, 1957 he married Judy (Schaefer), she survives along with 2 daughters, a son, Chuck (Cami) and grandchildren, one sister Vera Mae Howard of Hammond, Indiana.
A memorial visitation will take place for friends of the family at Stemm Lawson Peterson Funeral Home, 1531 Cobblestone Boulevard, Elkhart, Indiana from 5:00 – 8:00 P.M. Tuesday. There will be no service, remains have been cremated.
Mr. DeFries with his wife Judy owned and operated Garbers Decorating Center in Elkhart from 1971-1997, also Home Decorating in Goshen for a time. Where the couple began with the two small stores selling primarily paint, wallpaper, then expanded the products and services to include window treatments and floor covering, becoming a leading store of that type in the area. The couple was high school sweethearts and a natural for this type of business. These soul mates spent many hours giving clinics and how to demonstrations of their products, informing the customers and public both young and old regarding their use. The loyal hard working staff supported this effort making the store a success.
Lynn served on numerous boards as past Director and/or Past President of many local organizations such as Credit bureau, Better Business Bureau, Elcona Country Club, Downtown Elkhart Association, Elkhart Improvement Association, Elkhart Centre, Life House, Chamber of Commerce and Elkhart Redevelopment Commission. Also a past member of Trinity United Methodist Church, and a Cub Scout leader. In Plymouth, Indiana he was also Past President of the Jaycees and Past Chairman of the Marshall County Young Republican Organization.
Mr. DeFries also served as President and Director of the National Decorating Association of America and founder of the Michiana Decorating Products Association. They were considered outstanding in their chosen careers.
As a veteran he served in the US Army with a tour of duty in Korea, maintaining equipment to be shuttled both North and Sout Koreans into their respective Countries.
He enjoyed music of all kinds. His favorite songs were Walk Alone, My Way and Unchained Melody and Judy’s music from the New Horizon Band and Country music. He also enjoyed Art, NASCAR, and was a member of NRA, also water ski, snow ski, tennis and hunting. Loving the outdoors his favorite tree was the Red Bud, bush the Peony and flower the Bachelor Button.
In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to The Center for Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc. 22579 Old U.S. 20, Elkhart, Indiana 46516.