ONTARIO - Linda Lee Smith departed for the journey to her heavenly home on Saturday, March 16, 2024. She was born to Maurice L. Koch and Lenna V. (Markee) Koch on April 20, 1942. Linda was married to Darwin M. Smith, Jr. on August 1,
1959, and together they welcomed 3 children: Candis Leigh, Mark Allen, and David Duane. After farming for years and raising kids, Linda embarked on a career working for the Department of Veteran Affairs Medical Center in
Tomah, WI. She worked 10 years as a nursing assistant on Building 400’s hospital floor and her remaining years in the offices of nursing service, medical service, and extended care. She retired from the Department of Veterans Affairs on March 17, 2006, with 26 years and 7 months of service.
Linda also proudly served in the United States Naval Reserves for 8 years as a Petty Officer 2nd class and as a HM 2 Corpsman attached to the 7th Marines Fleet Hospital, where she was assigned to work and train within the Naval Hospital and to perform field training at Camp Pendleton in California. She was honorably discharged on March 15, 1993. She also enjoyed spending time with her family and was most times on board for babysitting duty. She called her 6 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grands her little blessings.
Linda is survived by her 3 children and their spouses: Candis (Jim) Bainter, Mark (Tammy) Smith, and David (Jennifer) Smith; 6 grandchildren: Jacquoline (Smith) Mehtala, Michelle (Smith) Brueggeman, Ashley (Smith) Theiman, Mitchell Smith, Jared (Steph) Smith, and Karissa (Brian) Newman; 17 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; a sister, Gladys Koch; (common-law husband) and beloved partner of 30+ years, Loren Robert Job, his daughter Heather, and his two grandchildren Anali (Ana) and Rebekah (Bekah).
Linda is preceded in death by her parents, Maurice and Lenna Koch; two brothers, DuWayne Francis and Lloyd Arthur Koch; a sister, Maxine (Bill) Smith; brother-in-law, Bill; 2 (still born) great-great-grandchildren; and ex-husband, Darwin Smith, Jr.
According to her wishes, she will be placed to rest at a later date at Home Cemetery in Ontario, Wisconsin with a private family service to follow. The Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home
