Linda Lou Witmer

Linda Lou Witmer, of Mt. Carroll, IL, formerly of Lanark, IL, passed away Tuesday, February 28, at Javon Bea Hospital in Rockford, IL. Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, March 6, at the Law Jones Funeral Home in Lanark. Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday, March 5, at the funeral home, as well as one hour prior to the service on Monday.

Linda was born August 25, 1951, daughter of Jerold and Thelma (Colbert) Brinkmeier. She grew up in Shannon, IL, the oldest of five children. She graduated from Lanark High School with the class of 1969. After graduating, Linda met the love of her life, Donald Witmer. Linda and Donald married on April 19, 1975. Together they raised two children and celebrated 32 years of marriage until Donald’s passing in 2007.

Throughout her life Linda had a handful of jobs. She started out as a beautician, then worked at Alco for a short time, before beginning work at the Hi-Way Cafe in Lanark. She stayed at the cafe for many years, first as a waitress for a short while, then as manager for multiple years. Then on to Applebees and Walmart bakery.  After retirement Linda worked part time at the Mt. Carroll Pharmacy.

Linda was a strong role model for her children and grandchildren, and never turned away from her kids. She was fiercely loyal to those who deserved it. As a grandmother, Linda was always supportive and caring, attending all her grandchildren’s sports events, and baking all of their birthday cakes. She was a great baker and cook, and loved to share her talents with her family. When she was younger Linda liked to grow her own vegetables in her well tended garden. She spent her free time in bowling league, playing Yahtzee with anyone up for the challenge, and enjoyed golfing in earlier years. Linda really enjoyed her coffee chats with her dearest friends. She was the most honest woman you could know, and told it like it was. Linda was very witty, and could lay on thick sarcasm, but it was never mean, and always lighthearted and fun. Linda’s daughter will fondly remember dancing to 80s pop music anytime they took a ride together. Linda will be dearly missed by her loving family and many close friends.

Linda is survived by her significant other, Dennis Hafer of Mt. Carroll; two children, Jamie (Pat Simpson) Janssen of Mt. Carroll, and Rod (Carmela) Witmer of New London, IA; five grandchildren, Drake Janssen of Pearl City, IL, Emily Janssen of Mt. Carroll, Trace Witmer of Shannon, Camile, and Cereles “JP” of New London; step-mother, Judy Brinkmeier of Morrison, IL; step-father, Robert Buckwalter; four siblings, Carol Michael of Freeport, IL, Connie Tyler of Milledgeville, IL, Brenda (Roger) Workman of Morrison, and Robert “Dean” Buckwalter of Freeport; two step-siblings, Karl (Deb) Brinkmeier and Linda (Steve) Limond; step-aunt and step-uncle, Pat and Ron Buckwalter; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. Linda is preceded in death by her husband, Donald, and her parents, Jerold and Thelma.