Linda Rae Sauntmon

(Née Wheatley), age 68, was born to Eternal Life on Saturday, January 4, 2014 after a courageous battle with cancer. She is now happily reunited with her beloved husband of 20 years, Robert H. Sauntmon Jr. Loving mother of Melissa (Sylvain) Serra, Peter (Kelly McNally) Bailey, and Rob (Nick Vitale) Nimmer. Adopted mom to Robin (Mark) Albert and Susan (Dan Grellinger) Davids. Cherished grandmother "Nana" of Adrien, Quentin and Margot Serra, Samantha and Sydnie Albert, and Emma, Nathan and William Grellinger. Treasured sister of Fred Wheatley. Preceded in death by her beloved parents, Clara (Robert) Stoltenberg and John Wheatley.

Linda was born in Bartlesville, OK and raised in Holyrood, KS. She moved to Wisconsin in 1969. While raising her family, Linda worked for the Marcus Corporation before becoming Executive Assistant to Stuart W. Tisdale, CEO of Sta-Rite Industries and later WICOR and Wisconsin Gas Co. (WE Energies). Linda was a member and past president of the Milwaukee Chapter of Executive Women International (EWI) where she was actively involved in many philanthropic activities including their scholarship program. She was one of only two women currently to achieve the honor of Lifetime Member. Retiring in 2005, Linda loved spending time with her loving family and wonderful friends. She enjoyed bowling, playing cards, going to movies, occasional gambling trips, traveling and was always up for a new adventure. She was an avid Packer Fan and was very proud of her full-sized all-Packer Christmas tree. Linda also enjoyed playing online cribbage and other games. She had a true love for her "Pogo family".

Linda will always be remembered as a warm and loving wife, mother, sister, Nana and friend. She had a true zest for life, and her infectious laugh could fill a room. Linda touched so many lives in such wonderful ways. Her children admired her. Her grandchildren were inspired by her. Her friends cherished her. She will be sorely missed.

Memorial Gathering at Krause Funeral Home, 12401 West National Avenue, Tuesday, January 14 from 10:30 AM to 12:15 PM with a Memorial Service at 12:30 PM. Private burial will be held at a later date at Pinelawn Memorial Park. Memorials in Linda's honor can be made to Zilber Family Hospice or EWI Milwaukee Chapter Scholarship. Special thank-you to the staff at Froedtert Hospital and Zilber Family Hospice for their care and compassion.