Linda Carol Thurk

Linda Carol Thurk, age 78, of Waupun, passed away at home on Sunday, September 27, 2026, comforted by the love of her family.

Linda was born on February 6, 1948, in Beaver Dam, the daughter of Richard Freeman and Estella Lorainne (Beahm) Brown. She attended Waupun High School and throughout her life worked at several local businesses, including the shoe factory in Beaver Dam, Sandnit Sewing Factory, Gysbers Grocery in the deli, Alto Dairy/Saputo, and Kwik Trip. Along the way, Linda formed many friendships and touched the lives of countless people with her fun loving nature.

On November 12, 1983, Linda married Marvin F. “Marv” Thurk. Together, they made their home in Waupun and shared 15 years of marriage before his passing.

Linda found her greatest happiness in the simple things that brought the people she loved together. She loved baking and making Christmas candy, filling her home with wonderful smells, laughter, and memories. Her kitchen table was a favorite gathering place, especially when her girlfriends came over to play cards, share stories, and laugh together.

Linda also loved “gallivanting” with her girlfriends. Their trips were filled with laughter, adventure, a little mischief, and plenty of shenanigans—the kind of moments that became stories they would tell again and again.

Above all, Linda loved her family deeply. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, sister, aunt, godmother, and friend. She had a special way of caring for people and was truly the glue that held her family together. Her love was shown not only through her words, but through everything she did for those around her.

Linda was also a beloved babysitter to many children of family and friends throughout the years. She treasured those little ones and delighted in remembering the funny and sweet things they would say. One sentiment, from Dawson, captured that love perfectly:

“Linda, I love you ebber so much.”

And Linda loved them “ebber so much,” too.

Linda leaves behind a large and loving family who will carry her memory with them always. She is survived by her children, Tracy Brown, John (Colleen) Thurk, Steve (Lona) Thurk, Judy (John) Hutter, and Cindy (Harvey) Hutter; grandchildren, Jamie Thurk, John (Jennifer) Thurk, Kevin (Sara) Staszak, Clinton Staszak, Heather (Chris) Rice, Brandon Thurk, Dustin (PJ DiSefano) Hutter, Misty (PJ) Spoolstra, Michelle (Russell) Kottman, and Rhonda (Scott) Hutter; great-grandchildren, Calleigh and Isaiah Thurk, Kota Malmstrom, Jayce and Ty Staszak, Charlotte Rice, Jordyn (Noah) Knetzger, Tanner (Holly) Spoolstra, Tyler (Hannah) Spoolstra, Trevor (Cassie) Spoolstra, and Cailyn Kottman; and great-great-grandchildren, Aubreigh and Brynnleigh Zabel, and Caden, Chloe, and Emmalyn Spoolstra.

She is further survived by her godchildren, Dave Garcia, Cindy Brown Rood, and Kevin Brown; siblings, Georgia Mecklenberg, Donna Reddin, Diane Garcia, William “Bill” Brown, and Michael Brown; sisters-in-law, Joyce Brown and Gloria Brown; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Linda was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Marv; her siblings, Roberta “Bobbie” Shaw, Shirley Brown, Brenda Brown, Wayne Brown, and Richard “Dick” Brown; and her godson, Anthony “Tony” Skilling.

A memorial gathering celebrating Linda’s life will take place on Monday, October 5, 2026, at Werner Harmsen Funeral Home in Waupun beginning at 10:30 a.m. A memorial service will be held at 11:30 a.m., followed by a luncheon where family and friends can continue sharing memories and celebrating Linda’s life. Interment of Linda’s ashes will take place afterward at Calvary Cemetery in Fond du Lac.

Linda’s family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the SSM Hospice staff and Visiting Angels of Beaver Dam, especially Ayla, for the kindness, compassion, and support they provided to Linda and her family. Linda herself wanted these words remembered: “Special care and love for Cindy and Harvey for taking care of me.”

Linda will be remembered for so many things—her caring heart, her baking and Christmas candy, the card games around the kitchen table, the girls’ trips and shenanigans, the stories she loved to tell, and the way she cared so deeply for her family and friends.

Most of all, she will be remembered for the love she gave so freely. Her family was the center of her world, and the love, laughter, traditions, and memories she created will remain a part of them for generations to come.