Linda Lou Kreger passed away early Sunday morning September 12, 2021.  She is now dancing and at peace in Heaven with her Lord and Savior.

Linda was born in Beaver Dam on March 29,1949 at the former Lutheran Hospital on LaCrosse Street. She grew up in Fox Lake at Gadow's Oaksprings Resort on Blackhawk Trail and then later in Beaver Dam at the family business, The Ranch Tavern. She was confirmed at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and attended St. Stephens Lutheran School. She graduated from Beaver Dam High School in 1968.  She loved and enjoyed spending summers up north on Clam Lake with her Aunt Esther and Uncle Russell. She spent countless hours fishing but refused to take the fish off the hook.

During Linda's lifetime she had many exciting jobs: waitress, car sales, office administration for a law firm, Pitney Bowes, but her favorite job was as a sales team member with Dale Carnegie. She worked and sold their classes to many of the top industrial leaders across the United States. During this time her travels had her living in Madison, Wisconsin; Cambridge, Massachusetts; Jacksonville, Florida; and Atlanta, Georgia. She loved to travel and could pack an overnight bag and be in Mexico, Jamaica, or Paris, with a moments notice. Spending time on the beach, sand between her toes and the warm sun shining on her face, was an incredible feeling of peace for her.  She was passionate about watching Nancy Grace and always had an opinion on the law or who did it. She watched endless hours of Law and Order and listened to Classical music.

In 2006, she flew to California to have an awake craniotomy, to remove a cancerous tumor from her brain. What strength and courage that took on her part. Her friend Andy was by her side and helped her through.  She returned home later and made a full recovery, but a year later more cancer was discovered. It was the side affects of radiation to her brain that started her very long and final journey. She lost the use of her speech but Ryan taught her how to say I Love You with a hand squeeze. During the past 9+ years she has been a resident of Hillside Manor. The staff did everything they could to make her comfortable. If there are Angels on earth, they can truly be found at The Manor. The compassion, kindness and respect helped us all through this long journey.

During her son Ryan's visits, he would FaceTime big brother Scott and they would politely argue who was Mom's favorite or who was the best looking. This would always bring a laugh or chuckle from Linda. She loved her boys and nephew dearly and was so very proud of the wonderful men they had become. Her granddaughter Emily says she will always see her Grandma Linda standing tall and glamorous.

Linda is survived by her sons; Scott (Kellie) Metzdorf, Ryan (Ana) Metzdorf, Grandchildren; Emily Metzdorf, Jake Preecs, Gabrielle Metzdorf, Stephanie (Richard) Novachek. Great-grandson, Jackson Novachek… Nephew, Steven Paul and Sister, Deborah Paul.

Linda was proceeded in death by her Father: John Hoppa, Mother: Carol Smith, Grandparents; William (Bill) and Irene Gadow, Great-Grandparents; August and Martha Raether, Uncle; Carl Raether, and her Aunt and Uncle Russell and Esther Kroncke.

The family would like to thank Trinity Church United Methodist of Beaver Dam for keeping her in their prayers, the countless cards and special gifts they would give and send Linda.  The entire staff at Hillside Manor for everything they did to make our Mom comfortable.

The family will be having a private graveside service at a later date for Linda.

Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services in Beaver Dam is honored to be serving the family.