Linda Heisterkamp, 78, died peacefully in the early morning hours of Wednesday, September 6, 2023, at her home in Lake City. Visitation will be at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Lake City on Sunday, September 10, 2023, from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm, with vigil service at 5:00 pm. Mass of the Christian burial will be held on Monday, September 11, 2023, at 10:00 am at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Lake City with burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Lake City, following the service.
Linda Lou Schulte was born on October 24, 1944, in Lake City to Mearl and Ellen (Bean) Schulte. She grew up on the family farm near Auburn, Iowa, where she and her cousin Jerry Bean kept her parents on their toes. Whether it was opening the grain bin resulting in a big pile of oats spilling out, pumping oil out of the barrel in the workshop, making mud cookies and mud pies at their “bakery” out in the junk pile area, or sneaking down in the timber to the Racoon River, which was strictly off limits, Linda and Jerry made many wonderful and rambunctious childhood memories together.
During high school, she worked on the family farm helping her dad with chores, and she also worked at St. Anthony’s Hospital. On August 8, 1964, she married Ralph Heisterkamp at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Auburn. They eventually settled in Lake City, where they made their home and raised three children, Julie, Scott, and Jill, teaching them the values of hard work, responsibility, and to always have respect for others around them, plus a love of the Christmas holiday. Linda and Ralph enjoyed traveling throughout Iowa and across the country and loved watching wildlife in nature, especially the squirrels, rabbits, and deer that would often visit their home. The couple celebrated 54 years of marriage before Ralph’s passing in 2019. Everyone who saw them always commented on Ralph’s devotion, care, and love for Linda, and we celebrate that they are now reunited.
Linda was an active volunteer throughout Lake City. She was a member of the Stewart Memorial Community Hospital Auxiliary and served as president for several years in the 80s, a long-time member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church St. Theresa’s Sodality organization, joined Ralph in helping the Lake City Top Rail Saddle Club prepare for many Western Days Rodeos, and helped support various high school events, such as Booster Club concession stands and Music Mothers to help plan and prepare prom meals. Once she and Ralph were empty nesters, she worked at Duckwalls, Calhoun County Variety Store, and filled in when help was needed at local restaurants and stores.
Left to remember and honor Linda are her children Julie (Russ) Ashbrook of Manson, Scott (Mollie) Heisterkamp of Sandpoint, Idaho, and Jill Heisterkamp-Roan (Dan) of Murray; grandchildren Sean Hood (Anna Brondyke) and daughter Reagan and bonus son Beckett, Erin Hood and her children Marisa and Ty, and Trevor (Jordan) Hood and son Greyson; brothers-in-law Bud Kennebeck of Carroll, Paul Hike, Sr. of Jefferson, and Harlan Underberg of Lidderdale; sister-in-laws Marilyn (Rudy) Babe of Breda and Mary Heisterkamp of Manning; beloved cousin Jerry (Lirva) Bean of Steamboat Springs, Colorado, and their daughter Jennifer; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents Mearl and Ellen Schulte; her beloved husband Ralph; sister Gayleen Kennebeck; brothers-in-law Donnie Heisterkamp, Eddie Heisterkamp, and Ron Heisterkamp; sisters-in-law Charlotte Hike, Donna Underberg, Mary Jane Heisterkamp, and Nancy Heisterkamp; nephews Rick Nagl and Keith Hike; and many cousins and other cherished relatives.
Her family is grateful and extends a sincere thank you to all who helped support Linda since Ralph’s passing, whether by visiting, sending cards and letters, or bringing meals or holy communion to her home.
