Joan Mary (Houtakker) Linden, age 92, Prairie Ridge of Galena, IL, formerly from small towns of rural Wisconsin - peacefully entered her eternal home on August 27, 2025 surrounded in spirit by the love of those she loved and her deep-rooted faith.

Celebration of Life services will be held at First Baptist Church in Darlington, Wisconsin, with burial to follow at Union Grove Cemetery on Saturday, October 11, 2025. Visitation is scheduled at the church from 9:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M.

Born on June 25, 1933, to Philip and Sylvia (Kunkel) Houtakker, Joan was raised with the values of kindness, devotion, and endless grace. She married the love of her life, James R. Linden, on July 28, 1953, at St. Francis de Sales Church in Hazel Green, WI. Together they built a life rooted in faith, family, and love.

A longtime and devoted member of First Baptist Church - Darlington, Joan actively participated in the Heart and Hand Ministry and was a proud and faithful volunteer with the American Legion Auxiliary Post #214. She served not for recognition, but from a deep desire to love others as Christ loved her.

Joan’s relationship with Jesus was the cornerstone of her life. She embraced every role—Wife, Mom, Grandma, Great-Grandma, Sister, Aunt and Friend—with gentleness and grace. Her home was a place of warmth, her heart a place of welcome. She had a tender way of truly seeing people—their hearts, their struggles, their stories—and offering encouragement through her words, prayers, and presence.

Joan found joy in the simple beauty of nature. Whether watching birds out her window, marveling at a flower’s quiet flourish, or feeling the breeze across her face, she never missed a chance to recognize God’s hand in creation.

Joan leaves behind a legacy of faith, compassion, and unconditional love. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Jim, her cherished daughter Mary Rita, her grandson Jason Linden, and her daughter-in-law Patty Linden, her parents, as well as, siblings Rosemary (Arlyn) Vondra, Harold Houtakker, Donald Houtakker, Betty Nuxoll, brothers-in-law Gary Baumhover and Dale Linden.

She is survived by her children: James Linden (Ting Ni), Mary Goller, Joe Linden, John Linden, and Christine (Bob) Larkin; Ten grandchildren, Eric Linden (Lesley Kemper), Josh (M Lenoir Bond) Goller, Andy Linden, Jared Linden (Carly Marinaro), Erica Goller (Casey Ringer), Ashley (Brett) Honshel, Hope Linden (Joe Foucault), April (Adam) Welbes, Zac Gibson , Mariah (Morne) Jacobs; ten great-grandchildren and two great step-grandchildren; a sister, Rita Baumhover and a brother David (Adele) Houtakker; sisters in law, Ruth Houtakker and Marita Linden, and brother in law Don (Joan) Linden - each of whom she held close in her heart and prayers.

In her final year, Joan was blessed by the extraordinary care from Hospice of Dubuque East. With gentle hands and compassionate hearts, Jessica, Peggy and Steph walked alongside her, offering not only comfort but the precious gift of endurance and dignity. Prairie Ridge of Galena care team - Dani, Gretchen, and many others, cared for Joan with a devotion that was deeply personal—seeing her, honoring her, and loving her well.

Joan’s song on earth may have ended, but her melody lives on—in the lives she touched, the faith she shared, and the love she gave so freely.

It is well, with my Soul - so says Joan

Erickson Funeral Home - Darlington will be taking care of honoring Joan’s wishes for the end of her earthly journey, and, as we celebrate her beautiful life.

The beauty of where I am now surpasses all flowers and plants of the earth - in my memory, memorials can be sent to Erickson Funeral Home - Darlington to be donated to Hospice of Dubuque East. Others, who may need the help I graciously received, will benefit from your generosity.

Joan Linden

June 25, 1933 - August 27, 2025

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