Obituary

Linda Sue Wilcoxson, born March 26th, 1948, to Gale and Willa Lea Kinder (Shain) in Eagleville, Missouri, passed away November 22nd, 2024, in Des Moines, Iowa.

Linda is preceded in death by her parents and step-father JJ Harrold. She is survived by her husband Tony Wilcoxson, brothers Steve (Diane) Kinder and Gary (Deb) Kinder, sister Gayla (Tom) Pottoroff as well as her children; Tami (Matt) Rivas, Matt (Valerie) Wilcoxson, Tim (Heather) Wilcoxson and seven grandchildren.

Linda and Tony lived in many places throughout their lives together, including Fairfax, MO, Hopkins, MO, Panora, IA, Austin, MN, Blaine, MN, and finally West Des Moines, IA.

Throughout Linda’s life, those who met and interacted with her would describe her as kind. The sort of kindness that was given freely to all, without condition. Linda, the oldest, taught herself this kindness by learning patience and caregiving while tending to her siblings and cousins during storms at her grandparents’ turkey farm. These skills were carried through in the care of her children and grandchildren, as well as in the relationships and friendships she built throughout her life.

Linda enjoyed watching her children grow up in Panora, attending almost every event and activity they were involved in. When Linda wasn’t attending one of her children’s many activities, she first had a small daycare business, later working in the grocery store, and then as a bank teller. She also enjoyed get-togethers with “The Gang” playing cards.

After leaving Panora, Linda continued to work in banks, loved gardening in her yard, and looked forward to her children’s and especially grandchildren’s visits.

Upon retirement, Tony and Linda moved to West Des Moines to relax and spend time gardening in their yard. They enjoyed visiting Tony’s brother Sid and his wife Maria in Florida, traveling to Spring Training Baseball games, and continued to look forward to visits from their children and grandchildren.

In her later years, Linda suffered from Dementia/Alzheimers. What that took from our world was immense. She lost the chance to be that loving, caring partner and mother that we knew. She could no longer fulfill her dream of grandparenting to its finest degree. The disease robbed her, her Husband, her family, and truthfully the world of a wonderful human being who was kind. We feel kindness, at its root, is what this world needs the most. It is a virtue, costing nothing. It takes effort, but not labor. It seeks no reward, but garners countless benefits to all. Linda understood all of this and lived in this way. Her family will strive to be more kind in her honor and hope for others to do the same.

Linda's life will be celebrated on Saturday, January 4, 2025 from 1 to 5 pm at Wesley on Grand, 3524 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa 50312. In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family asks that donations to Alzheimer’s Association of Central Iowa, 1415 28th St, Suite 430 WDM, IA 50266 or https://alzfdn.org/donate/ be made in Linda’s name.

“You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late.”
-Ralph Waldo Emerson


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