Linda Marie Dwyer of Waupaca, 82, died on 2/22/2022 in Naples, Florida after a courageous battle with Stage IV lung cancer.
During her fight, she inspired her family and friends with her positivity, humor, and courage. One of nine children, Linda was born in Iola on 9/4/1939 to Elsie and Orin Gjertson. She became a Registered Nurse and continued to love learning throughout her life, earning a Master’s Degree in Psychiatric Nursing from University of Wisconsin in 1987 and a PhD in Educational and Clinical Psychology from Marquette University in 1993. Over her career she held many positions, but her favorite was as a nursing school professor and she continued to teach and inspire students well into her 70s. Linda became a widow from her first marriage in 1984 and later found her partner in life, John Dwyer. They married in 1997. Linda and John shared 25 years of adventures, traveling regularly to Europe, reading, and enjoying entertaining family and friends in both Wisconsin and Florida. Linda made many friends throughout her life and all will remember her philosophy that “If you wear the proper costume, the part plays itself.” She was always impeccably dressed and every day with her felt like a special event.
Linda is survived by her husband, John, daughter Elizabeth Konick (Alex) son Edmund Jacobs, step-daughter Julia Carlson (James), and grandchildren Abe and Cassie Konick, and Sophie, Leo, and Cody Carlson, all whom she adored spending time with and sharing her wisdom. She is also survived by sisters, Marge Zellmer, Judith Weege, and Debbie Danielson, and brothers, William, John, Ted, and George Gjertson.
Linda’s wish was to be cremated. A private celebration of her remarkable life will be held during the summer in Waupaca.