WAUNAKEE – Linda Jean Dernell began her earthly adventure on May 4, 1955. A compassionate, free-spirit who possessed a love for family, friends, animals and the simple beauties the world had to offer.

Linda died peacefully on Jan. 11, 2015, in her home in Waunakee, Wis., where she cultivated a place that told a story of warm memories and special times. As a 1973 graduate of Poynette High School, Linda went on to study mathematics at MATC in Madison, Wis. There, she honed the skills that later ignited her career path with the State of Wisconsin, including positions with the Department of Transportation, the Department of Family Services, and the Department of Revenue.

A glance into her back yard in the summertime was an instant attraction to all, as colorful snapdragons and gladiolas begged the attention of the birds she welcomed. As autumn set in, so did Linda’s desire to spend time with those she loved. Although she was a strong competitor and feared by many for her cunning abilities in Scrabble and Rummy, no one could stay away from the fun Linda encouraged. With a youthful spirit, her delicate, heartfelt laughter was contagious. As autumn came to a close, the countdown to Christmas began. As a self-proclaimed “Santa’s Helper”, Linda found sheer delight in her holiday preparations, as she took on the role of party planner, cookie connoisseur, and the much anticipated “tree decorating extravaganza”! As spring arrived, excursions to the north woods beckoned and held Linda in awe. As she explored the splendors of the earth, Linda was enthralled by creation and marveled at the glory of nature, while constantly questioning the circle of life.

Linda was a curious amalgam of simplicity, complexity, serenity and turbulence, gentleness and strength; a life not devoid of challenge, but with a will to rise above it all.

Linda was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, William and Pearl Dernell of Chicago, Ill.; maternal grandparents, Paul and Elizabeth Badger of Park Ridge, Ill.; her father, Richard Dernell of Park Falls, Wis.; and her niece, Emily Kapke (Dernell) of Stevens Point, Wis. Linda is survived by her mother, M. Jean Poulson of Palmyra, Wis.; her stepfather, Howard D. Poulson of Palmyra, Wis.; her siblings, Cheryl Dernell of Waunakee, Wis., Cindy Rogers of Sun Prairie, Wis., Richard Dernell of Minneapolis, Minn., Scott Dernell of McFarland, Wis., Debbie Dernell of Stevens Point, Wis.; aunts, uncles, cousins, as well as a bevy of beloved nieces and nephews who held Linda’s fond attention.

For the last 17 years a little orange tabby cat, named Zebe, has faithfully been at Linda’s side, providing love, comfort and relishing in her undivided attention. Linda’s “Little Orange Boy” will remain synonymous with one of her greatest joys.

Linda was fortunate to have been touched by so many people who shaped her life and contributed to years of happy memories, laughter and comfort. Linda loved to reminisce and laugh about the antics of dear friends and neighbors, from early childhood to the last few years in Waunakee, Wis. In recent years she was blessed with the compassion and skills of Dr. Amit Sanyal, and her nurse, Cindy, at Dean Clinic Hematology/Oncology, as well as Dr. Kim Kinsley and the exemplary staff of Agrace HospiceCare. For those enduring relationships, Linda was incredibly grateful.

A memorial service will be held at 12 noon on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2015, at the CROSSROADS at WAUNAKEE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 5901 Hogan Road, with the Rev. Frank Thompson officiating. Visitation will be at the church, from 10 a.m. until the time of service. A reception and meal is to follow at the CROSSROADS.

Memorial donations can be made in Linda’s name to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund, 14 Pennsylvania Plaza, Suite 1710, New York, NY 10122, (212) 268-1002. Online donations can be made at www.ocrf.org.

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Linda Dernell

May 04, 1955 - January 11, 2015

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