Linda Rather

In Loving Memory of Linda Rather

Linda Rather, age 68, passed away peacefully on August 31, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by dear friends.

Born on February 18, 1957, Linda was the daughter of Robert and Margene (Towne) Rather. A proud graduate of Waupun High School, Class of 1975, she went on to attend the University of Wisconsin–Platteville, where she studied agronomy. Her deep love for the land and commitment to agriculture would go on to shape both her life and career.

Linda made her home in the Ripon and Green Lake area, where she built a life rooted in hard work, quiet strength, and meaningful connection. For 45 years, she worked as a field scout for potato growers in the Plainfield and Stevens Point areas, a career she truly loved. Her dedication, expertise, and genuine relationships with local growers earned her deep respect and admiration. In addition to this, she successfully ran her own business for over four decades, a testament to her unwavering determination and work ethic.

Beyond her professional life, Linda was known for her creativity and artistic spirit. She had a passion for knitting and crocheting, and her beautifully handcrafted pieces were a familiar sight at Green Lake Town Square during the offseason.

She was also a proud and active member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and the National Society Daughters of the Union (NSDU), organizations that reflected her deep appreciation for heritage, history, and service.

Linda cherished the charm of small-town life—especially during the holidays—and looked forward each year to Ripon’s festive “Dickens of a Christmas” celebration. A lover of nature and the peace of country living, she found joy in the outdoors, in bowling with friends, and in life’s simplest pleasures.

She is survived by her sister-in-law, Felicia Rather; her niece, Isabelle; her nephew, Derek; her stepbrothers, Robert (Sandie) Guenther and Randy (Jill) Guenther; several cousins; and many cherished friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Margene; her stepfather, Bert; and her brother, James.

Linda will be remembered for her kindness, resilience, and the quiet, steady way she enriched the lives of those around her. Her legacy lives on in every life she touched, every stitch she made, and every field she walked.

Visitation will be held from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 19, 2025, at Werner-Harmsen Funeral Home in Waupun with Pastor Jacob Nault officiating. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m., with interment at Cattaraugus Cemetery in Waupun immediately afterward. A luncheon for family and friends will follow.

The service will be live recorded and made available for viewing for those unable to attend. Details will be available on the Werner Harmsen Funeral Home website.

Memorials in Linda’s name may be directed to:

• John Scott Horner Chapter NSDAR, c/o Tonya Alling, 11 Stanton Street, Ripon, WI 54971

• Caestecker Public Library, P.O. Box 278, Green Lake, WI 54941

Both causes were dear to Linda’s heart and reflect her enduring commitment to community, heritage, and lifelong learning.