Linda J. Schmidt, 85, of Mason City, passed away on Wednesday, June 15, 2022, at the Homestead Assisted Living. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 22, 2022, at St. James Lutheran Church, 1148 4th St SE. Visitation will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, June 21, 2022, at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N Pennsylvania Ave. Inurnment will be held in the Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the family of Linda Schmidt with the intention of donating the funds to St. James Lutheran Church, MercyOne North Iowa Hospice and the NIACC Foundation.
Linda was born September 26, 1936, the daughter of Cassius and Blanche (Knutson) Shoemaker in Ottawa, IL. She grew up in many small communities in the Midwest. Linda graduated high school from Augustana Academy in Canton, SD in 1954. Following graduation, Linda attended Luther College, obtaining her bachelor’s degree in 1958. Shortly after she began student teaching at Decorah High School. It was during this time where she met Norman who was teaching at Decorah High School. On December 30, 1958, the two were united in marriage in Ottawa, IL. The couple enjoyed 64 years together. Together, Linda and Norman spent time in Decorah and Bettendorf before settling in Mason City. In 1980, Linda returned to college, this time enrolling in Iowa State University, earning her master’s degree. Linda started her career in teaching then transitioned into the role of Adult Basic Education Coordinator at NIACC where she assisted young adults in obtaining their GED’s and did so until her retirement.
Linda enjoyed volunteering her time with the church and enjoyed giving back to her community and the education community. She was a member of St. James Lutheran Church, WELCA, St. James Church Council, she volunteered at the Music Man Square and Hospice, and she was also President of the Iowa Association of Lifelong Learning.
When Linda wasn’t volunteering her time she enjoyed spending her time reading, playing cards, doing crafts, wintering in Arizona and spending time with her grandchildren.
Linda is survived by her husband, Norman; daughters, Rebecca (David) Regnet, Ellen (Steve) Kay, Debra (Michael) Hoppman; grandchildren, Elizabeth (Matthew Sonnemann) Oeltjenbruns, Sarah (Casey) Kessler, James (Cami) Kay, Jason (Abbi) Kay, Daniel (Michelle René du Plessis) Hoppman, Molly Hoppman, Leah Hoppman; great granddaughter, Emery Kay; step granddaughters, Rachelle Regnet, Gabrielle Regnet; sister-in-law, Doris Albrecht; many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Dr. Bryce Shoemaker; sister, Shirley Broad; sisters-in-law, Eva Shoemaker, Leona Standridge; brothers-in-law, Vince Albrecht, Henry Standridge; mother and father-in-law, Richard and Frieda Schmidt.
