Linda Marie Klein (née Busa), 72

Linda Marie Klein (née Busa), 72, of Stevens Point, passed away peacefully at her home on Sept. 10, 2024, after a 15-year battle with cancer. She faced her illness with courage and resilience, never letting it slow her down.

Linda was born at St. Michael’s Hospital in Stevens Point on Sept. 14, 1951, the fourth child of John and Clara (née Kaminski) Busa. She grew up on the family farm in Mill Creek with her sisters, Jeanette and Nancy, and her brothers, John and Robert. Linda often shared fond memories of the farm, applying what she learned to her own gardening later in life. During her teenage years, the family moved to Clark Street.

She attended Green Meadow, a one-room schoolhouse, and later Emerson Middle School, graduating from P.J. Jacobs High School in 1969. After high school, Linda worked at AT&T, WIAA, and Kavanaugh-Ligman.

On Sept. 12, 1981, Linda married the love of her life, Eric J. Klein. They welcomed their daughter, Sarah Ann, in 1984, and their son, Theodore John, in 1986. Linda worked as a bookkeeper and secretary for the family business, Frank’s Hardware Co., Inc., which she and Eric eventually took over in the early 1990s. She handled numerous responsibilities, including pricing and hiring, and became a beloved presence among customers and employees.

At home, Linda was known for her love of cooking, preparing large, hearty meals, especially during the holidays. Her home was a gathering place filled with laughter and good food. Despite her illness, she continued cooking from her motorized wheelchair, always maintaining her sense of humor.

An avid gardener, Linda and her husband spent hours tending to their yard, planting flowers and vegetables. She was also a devoted Green Bay Packers fan, with Brett Favre as her favorite player. She attended games at Lambeau Field and beyond, cheering enthusiastically alongside her son.

A member of Holy Spirit Church in Stevens Point, Linda was a woman of deep faith. She prayed the rosary regularly, including during her chemotherapy and radiation treatments.

Linda is survived by her husband of 42 years, Eric; her children, Sarah (Greg) Duescher of Iola and Theodore (Hilary) Klein of Plover; and her grandchildren, Caden and Harrison, whom she adored. She is also survived by her brother, John (Arlene) Busa, as well as many nieces, nephews, and close family friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Clara Busa; her sisters, Jeanette Danczyk and Nancy Stankevitz; her brother, Robert Busa; her brother-in-law, Harry Danczyk; her niece, Karen Kawleski; and dear friends, Sandy Sipl and Dorothy Burhop. She also mourned the loss of her beloved dog, Charlie.

The Klein family extends their heartfelt thanks to Drs. Ahusa, McKenna, Platta, and Neuhoff, along with the nurses and caregivers who supported Linda through her illness, especially Bonnie Grubba and Anissa Schmeeckle. Their kindness and care meant the world to her.

Blessed be the hands that delayed the meeting between God and His humble servant.