Linda Havel, age 73, of Rhinelander, died on May 10, 2023, at her home, with her loving husband at her side.
She was born on Sept. 30, 1949, in Rhinelander, the daughter of Thomas and Alberta (Sparks) Poskie.
Linda grew up right here in Rhinelander on Thayer Street. She met her husband, Dave Havel, in a high school English class and they were both members of the proud class of 1967.
Linda and Dave married in 1972 and built a life together in Rhinelander on their beloved Larsen Drive, celebrating 50 years of marriage just last year.
She attended the University of Wisconsin at Eau Claire and after graduating she chose to pursue one of only two choices (or so it seemed) available to women at that time: teaching. Now there were teachers and there was Mrs. Havel. She was special.
For 26 years she made an impact and inspired the lives of hundreds of kids who attended Crescent School. How do we know that? Because throughout her retirement she could not go anywhere without bumping into some young person who would say, "Hi Mrs. Havel, remember me?" This was highlighted just a few years ago when waiting for a colonoscopy in Wausau the doctor walked in and said with a smile, "Hi Mrs. Havel, you were my first-grade teacher."
Linda was a fierce reader of books and enjoyed her "Book Bags" friends and their regular meetings. She was a determined bridge player. She loved her PEO Sisters, and they loved her. Her dad was a great fisherman, and her mom was a great cook. She only got one of those genes as she had no interest in fishing. Her mom's cooking gene was her forte. Together with three other couples, the Havels celebrated gourmet dinners for many years. Great food, great friends, great times. Followed closely by "Birthday Club". Of the five couples, seven members were high school classmates from the Class of '67. Twenty-some years of celebrating birthdays with cards, little gifts, drinks, dinner and plenty of laughter. She loved to cook big dinners, set a beautiful table, and entertain guests and she was good at it.
The Havels did their fair share of traveling. She, with her husband Dave and cherished traveling friends, Mark and Bev, got to see Europe, Hawaii, and the Caribbean along with regular stops at Gulf Shores and Texas. Such wonderful memories.
Through it all, family was number one. She was so proud of her brother, Chuck, and the wonderful life he is living in Colorado. She had a special connection with her two daughters, Kati and Jessi, in whom she instilled a willful and independent spirit. She adored her granddaughters, Carson and Jilly, and loved to be entertained by their stories and theatrics.
She never let any health challenges prevent her from living a good happy life. She inspired students. She inspired us all. She will be missed.
Linda is survived by her husband David, her children Kati (Douglas) Havel-Strid and Jessi Havel, her grandchildren Carson and Jilly, her brother Charles (Deb) Poskie, nieces, nephews, other family and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Visitation for Linda will be held on Friday, June 2, 2023, from noon to 2 p.m. with memorial services following at 2 p.m. at the First Congregational United Church of Christ. Reverend Myles Alexander will be officiating. You may leave your private condolences for the Havel family at www.carlsonfh.com.
A memorial is being established in Linda's name for the Rhinelander District Library Foundation - P.O. Box 1225 - Rhinelander, WI 54501.
The Carlson Funeral Home (715-369-1414) is serving the Havel family.
Reader Comments
Posted: Friday, May 19, 2023
Article comment by:
Craig Strid
In the stars that shine, the flowers that blossom or in a gentle breeze, may you feel the presence of your loved one and be comforted by treasured memories Be withGod Linda. You�re in our thoughts and prayers. The Strid Family. Craig,Gail and David.
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