In Memory of

Linda

K.

Lemanczyk

Obituary for Linda K. Lemanczyk

Linda K. Lemanczyk (nee Norstrem) was born into eternal life on December 30, 2020, at the age of 69.
Linda’s top three priorities in life were her Faith, her Family, and her Friends. Family were friends, friends were family, and her faith was woven throughout. Linda grew up in the city of St Paul MN but always had a heart for the country life. When she first saw James Lemanczyk in the tiny town of Rosholt WI, she knew he was the farm boy she was going to marry – and they shared 47 years of married life. Their four children and nine grandchildren were her pride and joy. Alan (Itzel), Caleb, Lexi, and Ava; Chris (Carrie), Nathan, Bridget, and Thomas; Amanda; Pam (Mike) Kohl, Julie, Marcus, and Bryce all currently live in the Rosholt area – close to Mom and Dad.
Extended family was also important to Linda, and she kept in regular contact with many of them. This included brothers and sisters: Loren (Princey) Norstrem of Wauwatosa WI; Bruce (Judy) Norstrem of Danbury WI; Karen Gemza of Cottage Grove MN; Sandy (Don) Rask of St Paul MN; Glenn (Kitty) Norstrem of St Paul MN; Ken (Lora) Norstrem of Maplewood MN; Brother-in-law Ray Schulist of Rosholt WI; 27 nieces and nephews and several great-nieces and nephews. Linda (“Ma” to some and “Mrs. L” to others) considered many friends an extension of her family and everyone was always welcome at the family farm as well as her supper table. She loved having company and was hospitable to all.
Linda served her community as a US postal carrier for 20 years, retiring in 2017. Around her full-time job, and throughout retirement, she thoroughly enjoyed everything about the farm life, including working with the horses, managing the cows, baling hay (in the early years), cleaning and figuring out how to best organize Jim’s garage, spending time with the family in the pool – anything but gardening! Other favorite projects were designing, remodeling and decorating her house (and anyone else’s house too) – she was forever changing things and had big plans for home improvements in 2021. How many times did you hear her say, “we could make this better if we do this”?! But the end goal never changed – to make things as efficient and inviting as possible.
In addition to farm life, Linda was very involved in church activities, including volunteering to act as coordinator of the CCD program at St. Adalberts for the upcoming 2021 session. Over the years, she has also served as a lector, a Eucharistic minister, school secretary, and a long stint as the church picnic bingo caller, to name a few things. She also enjoyed being a part of the American Legion Auxiliary and served as President, Vice President, and other various positions.
For Linda, living her faith was very important – she didn’t just “talk the talk”; she actually “walked the walk”. More than a few folks in the church community or on the mail route found themselves the recipient of one of Linda’s “quiet acts of kindness” when in need or ill or welcoming a new baby. She had a servant’s heart and a willingness to actively follow our Lord’s command to love one another.
Some people have a natural tendency to be mentors/leaders/confidants. Linda was absolutely one of them. How many of us have spent time sitting across the kitchen counter or table from this wonderful woman, solving the world’s problems – even late into the night if necessary. She was a great listener and problem solver – always willing to give advice and help you meet your goals (and even set them for you if you need that!). She would give guidance or support or tell you you’re flat wrong if that’s what needed to be said. But there was never a doubt that her words always came from a place of love.
All are welcome to attend Linda’s Mass of Christian Burial at 11am on Wednesday, January 6th 2021 at St Adalbert’s Catholic Church (3305 St Adalbert Road, Rosholt, WI 54473). Rosary will start at 9am, visitation to follow until Mass at 11am – all at the church. Cremation services will be provided by Shuda Funeral Home of Stevens Point and burial will be immediately following Mass, at the St. Adalbert’s Cemetery.
God needed another Angel and we take comfort in believing that Jesus welcomed our cherished Linda into His heavenly kingdom with open arms and waiting to greet her at the gates were her parents, Loren and Ida Norstrem, brother-in-law Joe Gemza Sr., sister-in-law Shirley Schulist, and many beloved aunts, uncles, and friends.
Linda/Mom/Grandma: to flip your favorite phrase – “We love YOU to the moon and back.”