Linda Dolch

Linda Dolch, 69, of Wiota, Iowa, died Sunday, July 7, 2024, at her home.

Linda Jane was born the daughter of Wallace Ernest and Dora Jean (Lewis) Dolch on September 1, 1954, in Sacramento, California, while her dad was stationed there in the service. She grew up with four siblings, riding horses on a farm outside of Mt. Etna, Iowa until the family moved to a farm 5 ½ miles south of Atlantic in 1970. Linda was a bit of a social butterfly with her classmates, whether it be just hanging out with friends, as a member of 4-H or attending school dances. She graduated from Atlantic High School in the Class of 1972. Following graduation, she enrolled in classes at cosmetology school and later received her Accounting Degree from Metropolitan Community College and in 2001 started taking classes at Warren University, receiving her Bachelor’s Degree in Quality Assurance Engineering.

She was a hard worker and often worked two jobs whether it be to support her family or pay for her education. Linda was employed at KMART and the Clarinda Company before starting her career at MAHLE. Additionally, she later worked at Hy-Vee to fund her bachelor’s degree. It has been said that Linda was quite the stickler as the Quality Assurance Officer; her attention to detail, thorough documentation and pride she took in her work made her a valued employee of MAHLE for nearly 25 years.

Linda had many interests and there wasn’t much that Linda couldn’t do…...restore antiques, grow the biggest hostas and most fruitful garden around with her green thumb, cook, bake; she made you feel special by throwing great birthday parties…the list goes on and on. She canned and froze a lot of her produce so fresh veggies were plentiful when she served a meal and you wanted to be sure to save room for her delicious fudge (voted the best by the grandkids), brownies or chocolate cake. Linda was an animal lover, looked forward to traveling, and loved flowers, carnations being her favorite and lilies a close second. 

She enjoyed strolling through local flea markets and especially was drawn to Fenton Glass, especially if it was pink, her favorite color. Linda was a collector, one family member saying, “She just liked to hang on to the memories.” 

Her greatest joy was her FAMILY: first her two girls, then as an aunt, and the grandkids were the “Gold.” Being a single mom wasn’t easy, if that meant giving up something for herself so they could have something and not go without, she would…if that meant going on a ride at Adventureland even though she hated heights, she would; and oh, how grateful Sue and Crystal are for all she did. She would travel to the end of the earth for her children. There was nothing she wouldn’t give. Some of the grandkids’ favorite memories in recent years were the messages she sent them on Facebook, the funny memes, and the many games of cards they played. 

The following are words that were used to describe Linda by her family…kind, ornery, fierce, caring, stubborn, playful, headstrong, intelligent, graceful, independent, great smile, funny laugh, hardworking, willing to listen, and would give her shirt off her back. 

Linda’s outpouring of love for her family will be deeply missed by her daughters, Sue (Chris) Putnam of Griswold and Crystal Dolch of Atlanta, GA; grandchildren, Patience Vogl of Athens, GA, Richy Hernando of Griswold, Destiny White of Arlington, TX, Ashlynn Couch of Denton, TX, Adrianna Hernando of Wiota, Annalissa Hernando of Griswold and Arianna Hernando of Griswold; siblings, Debra (Scott) Moon of Council Bluffs, Carl Dolch of Wiota, Sally (Everett) Collins of Center City, MN and Glen (Lisa) Dolch of Atlantic; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Wallace and Jean Dolch and sister-in-law, Jenny Dolch.

A come and go Celebration of Life Picnic, hosted by the family, will be held from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Saturday, July 13th in the shelter at Cold Springs State Park in Lewis, Iowa. The family invites you to bring a side dish or dessert and beverage of choice to go along with the sandwiches, chips, tea, water and lemonade they are serving.

Roland Funeral Service is caring for Linda's family and her arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.