Linda Jean Hamrick, 77, of Mercer, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully at her home on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, from COPD.
Linda was born on August 30, 1947, in Kenosha, Wisconsin, to Lawrence and Elaine (Kuball) Glerum. She graduated from St. Joseph's High School in Kenosha in 1965.
In her youth, Linda embraced life with joy and independence. One memorable evening, she met Neil P. Hamrick, a Navy sailor who would become her lifelong partner. Neil later told friends he had met his future wife that night. Just six months later, they became engaged and were married on December 13, 1969, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Kenosha.
Together, Linda and Neil raised four children and moved across the country several times to support Neil's career. Ultimately, Linda chose to settle in Mercer upon retirement, cherishing the Northwoods lifestyle where she had spent many summers with her family as a child. She delighted in simple pleasures such as feeding the birds, spotting deer and the occasional bear, and taking drives with Neil to rescue turtles crossing the road. Linda also treasured her "sister" weekends with her sisters, strengthening lifelong bonds. She was known for her exceptional cooking, creating meals that brought family and friends together in warmth and celebration. Linda was a devoted member of St. Isaac Jogues Catholic Church in Mercer, where she generously contributed by helping with the church's money collection.
Linda is survived by her beloved children: Lori Gerlach of Racine, WI; Jen (Ryan) Witt of Shoreline, WA; Jacob Hamrick of Green Bay, WI; and Sarah (Robert Ireland) Hamrick of Kenosha, WI. She also leaves behind her dear siblings: Joyce (Bill) Brundage, Renee (Tom) Dwyer, Diane Zoerner, and Barbara (Paul) Schlereth; her brother Larry (Pat) Glerum; six cherished grandchildren: Jacob Brooks, Aiden Witt, Carson Witt, Harrison Ireland, Eli Ireland, and Reid Ireland; and one great-grandchild, Willow Brooks.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her devoted husband, Neil, who passed just 28 days before her; and her brother-in-law, Larry Zoerner.
A visitation for Linda and Neil will be held on Friday, July 18, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., with a memorial Mass following at 11 a.m. with Fr. Maria Joseph Kodiganti officiating at St. Isaac Jogues and Companions Catholic Church in Mercer.