Linda K. Malin

Linda Kay (Mitby) Malin, 52, of Genoa lost her struggle with cancer, which dates back to 1987, while surrounded by family at Gunderson Lutheran Medical Campus on May 15th 2014. She was dignified and radiant throughout her life, including her last few days with us on earth. Linda's fate in life had been known for some time. She accepted that fate, knowing the path ahead of her, yet never giving up the desire to make the most of every day. No matter what the situation, she maintained her spirit and will throughout her journey and in doing so, continues to inspire.

Linda was born March 10th, 1962, to Paul and Carol (Kirkeby) Mitby. She graduated from Cashton High School in 1980 and attended Western Technical College receiving a degree in Medical Transcripts.

She married David Malin on October 10th, 1981. They made their home outside of Genoa on a scenic ridge where Linda enjoyed watching the sun rise and set each day. They were truly blessed when they became parents to Timothy James in 1985. Linda took special pride in her role as a mom in helping rear Tim into the young man he has become. Linda was happiest when she was able to spend time with Tim, his wife Megan and their seven month old son, Noah.

She worked for over 13 years at GECU in La Crosse where she leaves behind many dear friendships.

Linda always put others before herself, by giving to others to make the world a better place. She volunteered for many events at Norskedalen Heritage Center and was also a member of the board of directors. She helped organize the Van Stephenson Cancer research fundraiser in Medina, MN for her favorite band, BlackHawk. Linda was a member of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary. She was a member of the Genoa-Harmony first responders and a volunteer photographer for the Genoa Fire Department. She was perpetually on the Middle Coon Valley Church Council, was president of the Westby Area Band Parents Association and the Westby FFA Alumni Association.

She liked to have fun spending time socializing with friends and family. She was adventuresome, loved to travel, and was always capturing those special moments with her ever-present camera. Linda was the "keeper of memories" for her family and friends and shared her pictures freely with others. She loved planning vacations and was truly an "activity director" for those who vacationed with her. She relished a variety of hobbies and interests which included needle point, photography, gardening, and cats. She was an avid letter writer throughout her life. Many family and friends looked forward to receiving her correspondence, especially her annual Christmas letter which was full of humorous and delightful musings on life's interesting moments. Together as a couple you would often find Linda and Dave riding their Harley or boating with friends. Those times were cherished by both.

Linda is survived by her husband, David; son, Timothy; daughter-in-"love", Megan; and grandson, Noah. She is also survived by her parents, Paul and Carol Mitby; her brother, Mike Mitby (Vernel Vesbach); her sister, Kathy (Kevin) Kirking, brothers-in-law John (Carlene) Malin ,Roger (Chris) Malin, Roy (Traci) Malin; sisters-in-law Jane (Vern) Horstman, Annette Williams, Paulette (Todd) Oppriecht; and many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and cousins. Linda had a special place in her heart for her nieces and nephews and was so proud of all of them.

Linda enriched the lives of many from both near and far. She will be remembered by them as a true and faithful friend, always cheerful and full of life and ready with a kind word or act. Linda considered herself wealthy beyond imagination because of what she valued in her life; family and friends. No matter how busy, Linda, always had time to fill her "life bucket" with the important things; special times with David, lending Tim and Megan a hand, spoiling Noah, watching her nieces and nephews in their school events, a visit to a friend, or surprising family and friends with gifts. With these gestures, and countless more life lessons, Linda taught us all how to live our lives and fill our "life buckets".

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Lester and Gelma Mitby; Alf and Inga Kirkeby; her step-grandmother, Alice Mitby; great aunt Signa Kirkeby, and an aunt, Judy (Kirkeby) Solberg and her mother and father-in-law, Larry and Anita Malin.

Funeral services will be Thursday May 22 at 11 A.M. at the Middle Coon Valley Lutheran Church, rural Chaseburg with a visitation prior at 10:00 A.M. Rev. Adolf Quast and Rev. Dan Wollman will offiate. There will be a celebration of Linda's life at the Seland Funeral Home, Coon Valley, on Wednesday, May 21st with a visitation from 4-8 P.M. All family and friends are welcome to come and share their memories of this truly amazing woman. Online condolences may be sent to selandsfuneralhome.com.

Linda had a true appreciation for nature and life. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Vernon County Humane Society, Chaseburg Relay for Life, or The Van Stephenson Cancer Research Memorial.

Our family would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the staff of the Hospice and Cancer Center of Gundersen Lutheran Medical Campus. Their skillful care and compassion throughout this trying time will be forever cherished. Words cannot express our deep appreciation for the support from family, friends, and neighbors.

Though her time was short by our standards, Linda's fiery personality made every moment count. In her final advice to her nieces, she said, "Remember to always have fun!"