WHITEWATER – Linda Lee Sterken (Stumpner) passed away unexpectedly on Friday, April 4, 2025 at Mercy Health System in Janesville.
Linda was born to Paul and Alvira (Wachsmuth) Stumpner on April 28, 1947, a few minutes before her identical twin sister Lila, in the mix of 13 other siblings. The early years growing up on farms throughout Wisconsin, Whitewater/Janesville to Colby/Abbotsford. Linda married Maurice Sterken in 1965 and settled in the Delavan Darien area to raise two boys, Carl and David. Linda’s strong work ethic was evident in her whole life. At Bergamot Brass Works, she was hired as a Finisher and retired as Plant Manager. She was a longtime member of the Delavan Christian Reformed Church.
The move from Darien to Whitewater began a new era in Linda’s life. Cultivating what has now become Backachers Produce Stand. Fruit, veggies, pumpkins, honey. Linda’s hand at every stage. Dirt, seeds, nurture, harvest, stocking the self-serve wagon, I can still hear her disbelief of the countless days the cash box was stuffed full. Her joys in gardening were matched by BINGO, rummage sales, and the auction bargain fines, which brought joy to her soul, not to mention bringing home an item or two.
Linda was survived by her husband, Maurice; two sons, Carl (Carol) and David (Melissa); One brother, Joe; and six sisters: Identical twin Lila, Mary Jane, Barb, Carolyn, Jenny, and Cindy. Grandchildren: Kayla, Garrett (Sonia), Anna (Devin), Kyle, Kendall, Tamika, Macayla; Great-grandchildren: Olliver, Katrina, Ezran, Mateo, Declyn, and Troy.
She was preceded in death by her parents; five brothers: Eugene, Dale, Eddie, Kenny, and Paul Jr.; and two sisters: Isabelle and Kathleen.
Funeral Services will be held at NOON on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at Delavan Christian Reformed Church, 850 Oak Street in Delavan. Visitation will be held from 10:00 A.M. until the time of the funeral on Saturday at the church. The burial will take place at Spring Grove Cemetery in Delavan. In place of flowers, memorials can be directed to Delavan Christian School.
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