Linda Waechter

"Her dance may be over but her music continues to play." Linda E. Waechter, 75, passed away Monday, May 15, 2023. She entered the gates of heaven from her daughter's home while surrounded by her husband of 56 years and all 8 of her children. She was born on June 16, 1947 in Wadesboro, North Carolina. As a young girl she and her family moved around and settled in Iowa. She lived in Le Mars for some time but ultimately graduated from Fort Dodge Senior High School. She then joined the Medical Assistant Program at Iowa Central Community College. It was during those years she met Gary. At that young age Linda knew what she wanted for her life - to be a mother, a wife, and to serve the Lord. Though already a believer, she was introduced to the Catholic Church and immediately felt at home. Gary and Linda were unified in marriage on April 29, 1967 at Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Fort Dodge, Iowa. This was the beginning of a beautiful legacy. The first 3 children were born while the couple made their home in Coalville. The family then moved to an acreage in Rockwell City to pursue the family centered farm life they desired. During their years in Rockwell City they grew their family by 2 more daughters and twin sons. Linda created a loving home, her days centered around caring for her children and husband. They had a very large garden that Linda canned and used to feed the family, many many apple trees, a strawberry and rhubarb patch, a German Shepherd named "Tory", homemade ice skating rinks in the winter, and were hog producers. The home was filled with smells of fresh baked desserts and over 60 plants. On Sunday mornings the family could be found at St. Francis Catholic Church, filling up a whole pew. Her greatest memories are from these days. In 1988 the family moved to a farm in Fort Dodge. Another daughter was born as the oldest children were beginning to leave the nest. Several years later she began a career in medical billing and retired from Highland Park Medical Center in 2013. Linda loved to sing and had a beautiful voice. For 13 years she was a member of the Humboldt Community Chorus. Sewing, crocheting, and especially quilting with her friends the "Sewing Sailors" were also some of her favorite activities. Her children were all involved in many activities and athletics. Linda joyfully attended them all, often with multiple children in tow or expecting, and never a complaint or hesitancy. Her family meant everything to her and she would do anything for them. Fr. Larry McCarty was a local area priest and extended family friend that Linda cherished. She desired that he perform her service but didn't think it was possible. We are honored he is able to fulfill one of her final wishes. Linda (Teal) is survived by her husband Gary, children Mike Waechter of West Des Moines, Lori (Tim) Collison of Rockwell City, Jenny (Mark) Vohsman of Colorado Springs, CO, Suzanne (Dustin) Parry of West Des Moines, Amanda (Robert) Enquist of Norwalk, Matthew (Amy) Waechter of Waukee, John (Stephanie) Waechter of Ankeny, Stephanie (Robert) Clapp of Humboldt, 21 grandchildren, brothers George Teal, Larry Koenck, Leon Koenck, Lynn Koenck, Lowell Koenck, Mark Teal and sister Pat Godbold. She was preceded in death by her parents Leonard and Lorna (Jones) Koenck, and George Teal, her biological father. Memorials will be left to the discretion of the family. A visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Friday, May 19th at Laufersweiler Funeral Home, Fort Dodge, IA. A Rosary will follow at 7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 20, 2023 at St. Francis Church in Rockwell City, Iowa. Burial will follow at St. Francis Cemetery also in Rockwell City. Live streaming of the service will be available on the Laufersweiler-Sievers Funeral Home Facebook page. Visitation Fri, May 19, 2023 at 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm Laufersweiler-Sievers Funeral Home 307 South 12th Street Fort Dodge, Iowa 50501 Funeral Mass Sat, May 20, 2023 at 11:00 am St. Francis