Linda Jean (Stackhouse) Wahlmeier, 81, of Jennings, KS passed away, June 26, 2024. Linda was born June 12, 1943, to Mary Lucille (White) Stackhouse and Walter Raymond Stackhouse in Alma, Nebraska. She graduated from Jennings High School in 1961. After which she completed her college freshman and sophomore years at Kansas State University.
Linda was united in the Sacrament of Marriage to Carl Wahlmeier at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in New Almelo, KS on January 2, 1963. They celebrated 60 years of marriage before his passing in 2023.
After their marriage, Linda paused her college studies to support Carl and start a family. After the birth of four boys, Linda began working at a flower shop in Norton, Kansas and eventually purchased the business. She eventually sold the flower shop (The Country Garden), worked as a used car saleswoman, and even ran the farm operation for a few years. Then, in 1982, she returned to college at Fort Hays State University. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education.
Linda taught school for one year at Lenora, Kansas.
Then, she had the opportunity to take over the American Family Insurance Agency in Norton, Kansas. Linda had found her professional vocation. Her leadership and dedication expanded the agency's reach to Hill City and Oberlin, Kansas, retiring after two decades and earning a place in the American Family Insurance Hall of Fame.
Family was everything to Linda and Carl. They loved their children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, siblings, nieces, and nephews. There was always a gathering at the farm to either work on a project or celebrate an event. Linda was the quintessential matriarch, known for her unmatched culinary skills and the warmth of her hospitality. She somehow juggled work and home life and made it look easy. Her legendary cooking – especially her homemade rolls, chocolate chip cookies, cinnamon rolls, taco salad, and chicken and noodles – remains a cherished memory among her family.
Linda’s greatest accomplishment was nurturing her four boys into responsible men who never wanted to disappoint her. She found a way to be loving, supportive, and firm. She had high expectations, and her sons became very familiar with the wooden spoon she carried in her purse. She once caught them tossing potatoes down the aisle in her father’s grocery store. From that day forward, her sons had to put their hands in their pockets when they entered any store. It is a habit that continues today.
Many young people lived with Linda and Carl from time to time for various reasons. They unofficially adopted Eric Strick as their fifth son and were very proud of him and his young family. Linda and Carl also hosted two foreign exchange students, Andrej Radonic of Germany, and Michiko Wada of Japan.
Linda was devoted to her faith and served as a role model to those around her. She was an active member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in New Almelo.
Preceding her in death were her husband Carl and her parents.
Linda is survived by her sons Craig (Lisa) Wahlmeier of Alma, AR, Curt (Becky) Wahlmeier of Jennings, KS, Cary Wahlmeier of Jennings, KS, and Daniel (Shelly) Wahlmeier of Clayton, KS, Eric (Jeannie) Strick of Arnett, OK; grandchildren Gentry (Paige) Wahlmeier of Van Buren, AR, Tessa (Gabriel) Anderson of Oberlin, KS, Keegan Wahlmeier of Jennings, KS, Taylor Wahlmeier of Oberlin, KS, Luke Wahlmeier of Jennings, KS, Jazzmin (Alex) Rien of Highland, KS, Joaquin (Helen) Wahlmeier of Phillipsburg, KS, Bayne Strick of Arnett, OK, Alexandra Strick, of Arnett, OK; great grandchild Emmaline Wahlmeier of Van Buren, AR, Jonas Wahlmeier of Phillipsburg, KS; sister Peggy (Terry) Highfill of Lacrosse, KS; brother Don (Leota) Stackhouse of Roseville, CA; along with many, many brother and sister in-laws, nephews, nieces, and friends.
Visitation is 5:00-7:00 p.m., with a Vigil and Rosary at 7:00 p.m., Friday, July 12, 2024, at New Almelo Gymnasium. Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m., Saturday, July 13, 2024, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, New Almelo, KS, with burial in the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church and sent in care of Plumer-Gobber Funeral Home, 215 W. Main St., Norton, KS 67654. For more information or condolences visit www.plumergobber.com