Lepeska, Linda

MONTFORT – Linda Lepeska, age 80, passed away on January 26, 2026, surrounded by her family at St. Mary's Hospital in Madison, after a short battle with cancer.

Linda was born on November 22, 1945. She graduated from Fennimore High School in 1963, and attended Beauty School in Dubuque, IA. Linda ran a Beauty Salon out of her house and loved cutting and styling the hair of many community members and even gave state exams to beauticians. She was a cosmetologist until 1985, when she decided to be a stay-at-home mom for her 3 youngest children. Once they were in school, Linda worked with her sister, Elaine, at the Fennimore Silo Company doing bookkeeping, and then in the Hemming Department at Lands' End.

On August 6, 1982, Linda married James Lepeska at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Fennimore. They were married for 43 wonderful years. 

Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her life. Her calendar was overflowing with all of her grandchildren's activities, and when events overlapped, she hated choosing one over another. From sporting events, to wax museums, to concerts, it won’t be the same without seeing her smiling face in the crowd. 

Linda made the best Rice Krispie Bars around. They were always requested for birthday treats, or for any get together. She was passionate about animals, always having a pet or two at home. Linda enjoyed watching the Badgers, Brewers, Packers, and Bucks with her husband, and was always sending out the schedule each day so her family wouldn't miss the games either. She loved the country singer Vince Gill and even got to go to a concert in Milwaukee at the age of 79 with her daughter. 

Anyone who met Linda knew she loved people. She had a way of making you feel accepted and special and had a gentle and easy smile. Her children and grandchildren are lucky to have had such an incredible person in their lives. She was a constant for them, and everything she taught them will stay with them forever. 

Linda is survived by her husband, James Lepeska, six of her children, Lisa (Rob) Edge, Paul Havlik, Mike (Megan) Havlik, Erika (Michael) Kelley, Kristen (Brent) Nelson, and Ryan (Derri) Lepeska. 

Linda is further survived by her 19 grandchildren: Erin (Nick) Spadafor, Nick (Danielle) Schueller, and Alex (Eliana) Schueller, Clint Havlik and Ross (Rachel) Havlik, Evan (Kelsey) Havlik, Macy, Jenna (Ryan Kramer), Lexy (Brent Welu), and Vayda Havlik, Max, Cadence, Zach, Willa, and Kieran Kelley, Leah, Hannah, and Jonah Nelson, and Halle Lepeska; four step grandchildren: Preston Phillips, Molly, Nolen, and Owen Weier; and three great grandchildren: Lennox and Casey Havlik, and Mayla Kramer; sister, Elaine (Gary) Kreul; sisters-in-law: Ellen Fitzsimmons, Mary Fran Lepeska (Patrick Tearney), Jane (Jon) Grinde, and Betty (Mark) Bittner; and her two dogs, Macy and Missy. 

Linda was preceded in death by her son, Dale Havlik; mother, Wilma Peterson; stepfather LeRoy Peterson; brother, Eugene Christopherson; mother and father-in-law Dorothy Lepeska and Joseph Lepeska; brother-in-law, Allyn Lepeska; and her dog, Molly. 

The family would like to thank the nurses and Hospice team at St. Mary's Hospital in Madison for the incredibly compassionate care they gave Linda during her time with them.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday February 7, 2026, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Fennimore. Following Mass, a Celebration of Life will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., at the Hickory Grove Golf Course in Fennimore. The Soman-Larson Funeral Home in Montfort is assisting the family. For online condolences, please visit: www.larsonfuneralhomes.com