Linda Holzhuter

Linda Ann Stoecklein Holzh'ter died on Saturday, May 31, 2008. She was born on Monday, March 16, 1964, in Colby, Kan. She was blessed to be a member of an incredible family. Her loving parents, Theodore and Pauline (Wirtz) Stoecklein, both preceded her in death. Her life was filled with the wisdom, love and humor of her siblings and extended family. Linda is survived by Mike and Peg Stoecklein of Minneapolis, Minn.; Mark and Tanya Stoecklein of Seattle, Wash.; David and Carol Stoecklein of Chino Hills, Calif.; Dale Stoecklein of Denver, Colo.; Mary and Russell Disberger of Glenwood Springs, Colo.; Paul and Jodi Stoecklein of Lenoir, N.C.; Fr. Ted Stoecklein of Spearville, Kan. She also had a brother, Kenneth Stoecklein, who died in infancy. She graduated from Colby High School in 1982, received her associates degree from Colby Community College in 1984. After attending Emporia State University she transferred to the University of Kansas where she received her bachelor of science in education in 1988. She continued to take graduate classes with Emporia State University in anticipation of the completion of her master of education. In 1986, she married John M. Holzh'ter at St. Paul's Parrish in Olathe, Kan. He survives of their home. She was his faithful companion and joyous gift of God until the time of her death. Their lives were enriched by two wonderful boys, Sean and Scott, currently serving as missionaries in China. She is also survived by her stepmother, Barbara Scheopner Stoecklein, and her children, Cindy Scheopner, Donna Swager, Jeanette Hornung, Mary Yewell and Kenny Scheopner. A stepsister, Sue Riggs, preceded Linda in death. After starting her teaching career in Topeka, Linda moved with her husband from Lawrence to Ottawa in 1989. In the fall of 1991, Linda began teaching first grade at Sacred Heart Catholic School, where her tenderness and compassion touched the lives of her students and fellow teachers. Linda was building co-chair for North Central Accreditation and also a member of the Student Improvement Team. Linda gracefully shared the talent and spirit of her voice with her fellow parishioners as a member of the choir at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Friends may pay their respects to Mrs. Holzh'ter at Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory St., in Ottawa from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, June 4, 2008. A Vigil and Rosary will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 408 S. Cedar St., in Ottawa, followed by a family visitation, where a Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, June 5. On Friday, June 6, family and friends will meet at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Topeka at 10 a.m. for committal services. Memorial donations will be accepted through two non-profit charitable funds: the Linda Holzh'ter Fund for Children, donations in care of People's Bank, P.O. Box 20, Ottawa KS 66067 or the Angel's Fund at Sacred Heart Catholic School (a scholarship fund), donations in care of Sacred Heart Catholic School.