Linda Yunk

Linda Mary Yunk left this world peacefully, surrounded by her family, on November 30, 2024, at the age of 73.

Linda was born on August 26, 1951, at her grandparents’ home in Lincoln, Wisconsin, to her parents Merle Gilson and Rita (Boulanger) Gilson. She grew up in Algoma, Wisconsin, and attended elementary and middle school at St. Mary’s Catholic School; she graduated from Algoma High School in 1969 and received her degree in cosmetology in 1970. During her early adulthood, Linda lived in Green Bay with close friends while working as a cosmetologist. One of her favorite experiences during those years was her adventure in Hawaii.

She married John “Jack” Yunk on May 18, 1974, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Algoma, Wisconsin. Together they welcomed their daughters Norie, Nichole, and Natalia. Linda and Jack were inseparable. They had a bond that came from years of love, respect, and companionship. They were married for almost 40 years at the time of his unexpected passing in 2012. In her retirement, she designed and built her and Jack's dream house, where she spent much of her time taking in the stunning views of their forest and many acres of land.

Linda was generous and selfless. She was kind to everyone she met and had a genuine concern for the wellbeing of others. She created and continued family traditions, ensuring that every holiday was magical, and every birthday was memorable. Linda was a constant source of support as her children started their own families and careers. She had an incredible memory and was a gifted storyteller, recalling details long forgotten by others. Linda’s faith in God was strong and she lived a life of example.

Linda’s grandchildren Evan (21), Jane (13), Juliet (11), Johnny (6), and Jayce (1), brought her tremendous joy. She delighted in spending time with them and talking to them on the phone between visits. They describe her as sweet, caring, and thoughtful. She listened to everything they wanted to tell her with avid interest—asking questions and wanting to know about everything that was important to them. She always planned to have gifts and their favorite foods waiting for them (and Old Fashioneds for Evan). Her home was filled with love, and she gave them a feeling of comfort that they will always cherish.

Linda has been reunited with her beloved Jack, her parents, mother and father-in-law Phillip and Marie Yunk, sisters and brothers-in-law Jeanette and Harvey Paul, Joan Holtz, Joyce and David Kirchman, James Yunk, and her nephew Noah Johnson. She will be forever missed and loved by her daughters and their spouses Norie Yunk and Darren Williams, Nichole and Lee Todd, and Natalia and Travis Cox, her grandchildren, her sister and brother-in-law Karen and Tim Johnson, sister Sandy Zima, sisters and brothers-in-law Ronnie Holtz, June and Don Hucek, Jerry and Sue Yunk, Joseph Yunk, and Julie and Randy Jacobs, her nieces and nephews Eli and Austin Johnson, Patti Zeitler, Randy, Robby, and Rick Paul, Doug and Dan Holtz, Michelle Kirchman, Sherri Kuss, Mike and Mark Yunk, Vicki Kramer, Steve Hucek, Phillip, Luke, and Jason Yunk, Tyler and Troy Yunk, Paula and Randy Jacobs, their spouses, and many grand nieces and nephews, cousins, and other extended family members.

Linda’s family would like to express their gratitude to the doctors and nurses at Bellin Hospital who provided the best possible care to her. Family, friends, neighbors, and all whose lives Linda touched are welcome to celebrate her life on Thursday, December 5, 2024, from 3:00 pm- 7:00 pm at Kinnard Funeral & Cremation Services – Algoma. Visitation will continue Friday, December 6, 2024, from 9:30 am – 11:00 am at St. Peter Catholic Church in Lincoln. Mass of Christian burial to follow at 11:00 am with Fr. Rex Palaya officiating. Followed by lunch. Burial will then follow at Evergreen Cemetery in Algoma. Online condolence messages may be shared at KinnardFCS.com.

In lieu of flowers, her family invites donations to a memorial fund established in Linda’s name at The National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion, a place that she loved to visit and talk about as an endearing symbol of her faith.