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Linda J. Kaehr, much loved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend, died peacefully at the age of 86 on November 12th 2026 at The Sycamore in River Falls WI with her family at her side.
Linda was born January 8th, 1940, in Junction City Ohio, the youngest child of Rev. Lawrence T. and Belinda Norris. Linda moved with her family to Decatur, Indiana in 1948 and met her future husband, Jerry W. Kaehr, at age 15 while a student at Decatur High School.
Linda and Jerry were married in Decatur, IN. on August 24th, 1958 at Union Chapel Evangelical United Brethren Church, continuing a shared life journey that would last 71 years. Linda became the proud mother of two children, Steve and Donna, and through the years loved and nurtured them as their own lives unfolded.
Linda was a multi-talented and intelligent person whose career included work as a legal secretary, real estate broker, pre-need coordinator and funeral trust writer in a large funeral home in Appleton, WI. Linda also worked hard on the “hobby” sheep farm that she and Jerry operated from 1974 through 1984. Though Linda never completed college, she took classes in sociology, psychology and philosophy for her own enrichment through the University of Wisconsin system.
Following their retirement in 1996, Linda and Jerry moved to Chula Vista, California where they lived until their return to Wisconsin in 2023. Linda was active in churches throughout her life, and while in Chula Vista was involved in her church, often hosting book studies in the home she shared with Jerry. She spent time making crafts and sewing, including making clergy vestments for her son and brother in law. In her retirement, Linda also enjoyed traveling and cruising with Jerry and family.
Linda was a giving person who lived her faith quietly, looking throughout her life journey for ways to help and care for others, usually completely unseen. She fiercely loved her family and friends.
Linda is survived by her loving husband, Jerry, son Steve Kaehr, daughter Donna Kaehr; grandchildren Andy (Claire) Kaehr, Dr. Tim (Whitney) Kaehr, David (Katie) Kaehr, and Keith Ridge. She is also survived by her great grandchildren, Liam, Simon, Finnegan, Gabe, Lilly, Ed and Elliott Kaehr, her brother in law the Rev. Michael (Elaine) Kaehr, and by many extended family and dear friends.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Rev. Lawrence and Belinda Norris, her brothers Lawrence, Clarence, Willie, and Harold; her sisters Connie, Donna, and Evelyn; her in-laws Doris and Lavera Heath and by other extended family and friends.
The visitation for Linda will be held at Bakken – Young funeral home in River Falls, WI on Wednesday November 18th at 10:00 AM with services to follow at 11:00 AM. The family would like to thank the staff of The Sycamore, and the clinical team members of St. Croix hospice for their care and support during Linda’s final illness.
A memorial service for Linda is being held on Wednesday, November 18, 2026 at 11:00AM at Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services (805 E Division St) River Falls, Wisconsin, with visitation starting at 10:00AM. A dinner will be shared following the service. Linda’s service will be live streamed using the link below.
Click here on Wednesday, November 18, at 11:00AM to watch Linda’s service live.
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