Linda (Timm) Hankemeier

LINDA (TIMM) HANKEMEIER

Cedar Rapids

Linda Kay (Timm) Hankemeier, 44, entered her heavenly home surrounded by family on Friday, June 3, 2016, after a valiant battle with cancer. It was her devotion to her family and firm faith in God that gave her strength and ultimately peace.

Linda was born and raised in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She was the daughter of the late Leonard C. Timm and Gwendolyn (Gould) Timm. She was baptized, confirmed and later also married at Trinity Lutheran Church in Cedar Rapids. She was a graduate of Trinity Lutheran School and Jefferson High School in Cedar Rapids. Growing up, Linda was very active in cheerleading, show choir, school groups, church activities and having fun with many friends.

After high school she earned her bachelor's degree at Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington, Ill. While in college Linda excelled in academics, was very involved in campus activities, and was a proud member of the Kappa Delta sorority.

Linda also earned a master's degree in communication at Illinois State University in Normal. Linda always was passionate about education – both her own and others, having also taught communication at Lincoln Community College in Lincoln, Ill.

Professionally, Linda had a terrific career, having served in various communications-related roles at both Girl Scouts of America briefly after undergrad and, for the last 19 years, at State Farm Insurance. She touched the lives of so many across State Farm, having worked in several departments in many communications-related positions, including several leadership roles.

She had been very actively involved in communication organizations, as she was recognized in 2001 when she was awarded the highest Crystal Award from the local chapter of Association for Women in Communication. She contributed to several local publications through freelance writing and often entertained and enlightened many in her blog, https://justlivingthenormallife.wordpress.com.

The greatest joy of Linda's life was her family, which she began when she happily married her high school sweetheart, Kevin M. Hankemeier, on July 30, 1994, in Cedar Rapids. Together they raised their two sons, Ryan Leonard (15) and Justin Everett (12), in Bloomington-Normal, Ill. Being involved in her children's lives was always top of her passions.

She served as an active member (including board member) of the Chiddix Junior High School PTO in Normal and always was at her children's activities supporting them in all they did.

Linda's spiritual life guided her through everything she did. She was a very active and devoted longtime member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Bloomington, where she graced so many with her beautiful singing.

Linda is survived by her husband, Kevin; her two sons, Ryan and Justin, both of Normal; her mother, Gwendolyn Timm; one brother, Gary (Dawn) Timm of Westerfield, N.J.; one sister, Marsha (John) Leibundguth of River Forest, Ill.; an uncle, E. Allen Timm; an aunt, Charlotte (David) Blaschke; and several nieces and nephews. She was loved by and loved each of her family dearly.

Linda has now been rejoined with her father, Leonard C. Timm, in heaven.

Her celebration of life will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 8, at St. John's Lutheran Church of Bloomington, with Pastor Christine McNeal officiating. Following the service will be burial at East Lawn Memorial Gardens in Bloomington. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, June 7, at the church. All are invited. Kibler-Brady-Ruestman Memorial Home in Bloomington is assisting the family with arrangements.

Linda loved her family, friends and her husband of 22 years this July, Kevin. Her two sons, Ryan and Justin, were the loves of her life. She will be deeply missed by all.

Memorial donations may be made to Community Cancer Center in Normal, Ill., or the American Cancer Society.

Online condolences and memories of Linda may be left for the family at kiblerbradyruestman.com.