1957
Linda
2025
Linda Oldenburg
September 11, 1957 — September 16, 2025
Linda Lee Oldenburg, affectionally known by many as Funky, Wild Linda, or Luscious, passed away on September 16, 2025, in South Beloit, Illinois, at the age of 68. Born on September 11, 1957, in Beloit, Wi.
Linda lived a vibrant life that touched countless people across the Rockford to Beloit communities.
Linda lived for her family. She made sure everyone was taken care of before herself. Her daughter was her greatest blessing, and she enjoyed watching her grow into the woman she is today.
Linda's passion for work was unmatched. Waitressing was her happy place. She thrived in the fast-paced environment and loved connecting with people. Over the years, she worked at numerous restaurants between Rockford and Beloit and often picked up bartending shifts on the side. One of her most cherished positions was playing the scarecrow at the Pumpkin Patch in Caledonia, where she led school tours for nearly a decade. Her playful spirit and warm heart made her a favorite among children and teachers alike.
Eventually, Linda found what she called her forever home at the Backyard Bar and Grill in Loves Park. There she formed a close bond with her boss Rich, his wife Dana, and their children. Even after retiring from her waitressing role, Linda remained part of their lives-house sitting when needed.
Retiring was more of a concept than a reality for Linda. True to form, she continued working two to three part-time jobs at any given time and typically allowed herself one day off unless someone needed a shift covered. She was always willing to lend a hand. Through her work, she made hundreds of friends and delighted in running into them around town to catch up.
Linda had a sharp wit that could light up any room. You never quite knew what she'd say next, but you could always count on it being memorable.
Later in life, Linda surprised many by becoming an avid dog lover. Every morning she would take three dogs along on errands-one perched on her lap, another in the passenger seat, and the third enjoying the back seat, all with their heads out the windows as they cruised through town together. Linda's beloved Tuffy crossed the rainbow bridge the same day and they are now together again.
Linda is survived by her daughter Kristen Oldenburg, son-in-law Tony Holum; grandson Alex. Sister Leanne Hillison; Naples, Florida, brother Terry Oldnburg: Beloit, Wi. Sister Debbie and Family, and special nieces Tara and Nicole.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Janet Diesing, father William Diesing, grandparents Ralph and Sarah Williams, and Larry and Dorothy Wallace.
May her memory bring you comfort to those who knew and loved her. A memorial service will be held on September 26, 2025, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm at First Congregational Church 801 Bushnell St Beloit, Wi with luncheon following at The Club 1975 Porter Ave Beloit. Stateline Cremation is assisting the family, 6204 Forest Hills Rd., Loves Park, IL 61111. www.statelinecremations.com
Linda lived a vibrant life that touched countless people across the Rockford to Beloit communities.
Linda lived for her family. She made sure everyone was taken care of before herself. Her daughter was her greatest blessing, and she enjoyed watching her grow into the woman she is today.
Linda's passion for work was unmatched. Waitressing was her happy place. She thrived in the fast-paced environment and loved connecting with people. Over the years, she worked at numerous restaurants between Rockford and Beloit and often picked up bartending shifts on the side. One of her most cherished positions was playing the scarecrow at the Pumpkin Patch in Caledonia, where she led school tours for nearly a decade. Her playful spirit and warm heart made her a favorite among children and teachers alike.
Eventually, Linda found what she called her forever home at the Backyard Bar and Grill in Loves Park. There she formed a close bond with her boss Rich, his wife Dana, and their children. Even after retiring from her waitressing role, Linda remained part of their lives-house sitting when needed.
Retiring was more of a concept than a reality for Linda. True to form, she continued working two to three part-time jobs at any given time and typically allowed herself one day off unless someone needed a shift covered. She was always willing to lend a hand. Through her work, she made hundreds of friends and delighted in running into them around town to catch up.
Linda had a sharp wit that could light up any room. You never quite knew what she'd say next, but you could always count on it being memorable.
Later in life, Linda surprised many by becoming an avid dog lover. Every morning she would take three dogs along on errands-one perched on her lap, another in the passenger seat, and the third enjoying the back seat, all with their heads out the windows as they cruised through town together. Linda's beloved Tuffy crossed the rainbow bridge the same day and they are now together again.
Linda is survived by her daughter Kristen Oldenburg, son-in-law Tony Holum; grandson Alex. Sister Leanne Hillison; Naples, Florida, brother Terry Oldnburg: Beloit, Wi. Sister Debbie and Family, and special nieces Tara and Nicole.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Janet Diesing, father William Diesing, grandparents Ralph and Sarah Williams, and Larry and Dorothy Wallace.
May her memory bring you comfort to those who knew and loved her. A memorial service will be held on September 26, 2025, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm at First Congregational Church 801 Bushnell St Beloit, Wi with luncheon following at The Club 1975 Porter Ave Beloit. Stateline Cremation is assisting the family, 6204 Forest Hills Rd., Loves Park, IL 61111. www.statelinecremations.com
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Linda Oldenburg, please visit our flower store.
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