My loving wife, Linda, passed away on August 18, 2026, from brain cancer at the Tieszen Memorial Home in Marion, SD. She received wonderful care from the staff there, whom she called her “Angels in Civilian Clothing.”

Linda Lee was born in Alexandria, VA, to Gordon and Phyllis Dimick on September 10, 1958, joining older brothers Dennis, Michael, and Dale. Later, two additional brothers, Paul and Chris, would join the family. She graduated from Platte High School in 1976. She was previously married to Harlan Wentzel, and from that union, her daughter, Danielle, was born.

We met while working at CCL Label in Sioux Falls, side by side for many of the 23 years she worked there. We were married December 27, 1997. I became her “JBoy”, and she was my “Wilbur”. We were fortunate to travel to Europe and Mexico, take a Caribbean cruise, go on several camping trips, attend many Dimick Family Reunions across the US, and attend Danielle’s wedding in Hawaii. Linda’s eventual MS diagnosis may have slowed our traveling down but not our memories. We continued to enjoy musical theater, whether it was attending local productions like Schmeckfest or larger Broadway shows. 

My wife was incredibly creative and talented with her crafting. She loved making cards for family and friends. They were works of art made with love. Past Christmas cards are still brought out at Christmas time as decor in their own right. She also had an eye for home decor and always loved working on a house project when she went out to see Danielle in Syracuse, NY. One of Linda’s last projects was helping to design her urn which was lovingly created by her brother, Michael. Linda loved her life on the farm. Spending time in her craft room, watching HGTV with one of the kitties napping on her lap, or driving the golf cart around the lake were some of her favorite moments. She would even help me mow and had her own mower. 

Linda was overjoyed when her grandson, JD, was born. She made several trips to visit him and loved when he would come to the farm to visit. Teaching him to drive the golf cart or having him sit on her lap watching something or playing a game on her iPad made for special memories. He has many special projects that she made for him or that they made together. When MS slowed down her travel, we were grateful for FaceTime calls.

My wife will be missed by many. She is survived by myself, John; Daughter Danielle (Joe) and Grandson JD; her brothers Dennis (Sue), Michael (Debra), Dale (Becky), Paul (fiancé Jasmel), Chris (Amory); Brother-in-Law David (Ann) and Sister-in-Law Jean; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Visitation will be from 5-7 pm Friday, September 4th.

Family and friends are invited to attend the burial service on Saturday, September 5th at 9:30 with services to follow at 10:30 at Salem-Zion Mennonite Church and Cemetery located at 27844 443 Avenue, Freeman, SD. 

What Cancer Cannot Do Cancer is so limited… It cannot cripple Love It cannot shatter Hope It cannot corrode Faith It cannot destroy Peace It cannot kill Friendship It cannot suppress Memories It cannot silence Courage It cannot invade the Soul It cannot steal Eternal Life It cannot conquer the Spirit Author Unknown Memorial gifts will be directed to the Sioux Falls Humane Society, Freeman Food Pantry, Heritage Hall Museum, and Swan Lake.