Linda Jane Keidel (Lebanon)'s Obituary
Linda Jane Keidel, daughter of James William and Myrtle Jane Senf Holman, was born September 7, 1932, in Moberly, Missouri. She departed this life Friday, March 9, 2012, in Citizens Memorial Health Care in Bolivar, Missouri, at the age of seventy-nine years, six months, and two days.
On December 20, 1950, she was united in marriage to Harold Edward Keidel, and to this union two daughters were born.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Harold, on January 29, 1999; and a brother, Frank Holman.
Linda is survived by two daughters, Sheryl Cook, and her husband, Howard, of Humansville, Missouri, and Valarie DeLana, of Athens, Texas; four grandchildren, Curtis Cook, Kris Cook, Karen Bilyeu, and Courtney Breesawitz; eight great-grandchildren; a brother, James Holman, of Moberly, Missouri; a number of nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.
She was born and raised in the Moberly, Missouri area, and was graduated from Moberly High School in the Class of 1950. She then earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Northeast Missouri State Teachers College, now Truman State University, in Kirksville, Missouri. Later, she completed her Master’s Degree from there also. After she and Harold were married, they made their home in Moberly, Missouri, and lovingly raised their daughters. In addition to being a devoted homemaker to her family, Linda taught sixth grade in the Moberly School District for a number of years, and became the first elementary school counselor. Her twenty-five year career in education culminated with the position of elementary counselor in the St. Charles County Schools. In the middle of the 1990’s, Linda and Harold moved to Lebanon, Missouri, and made their retirement home.
Linda was baptized into the Presbyterian faith and had established her own personal relationship with her Lord and Savior.
She was a member of the Retired Teachers Association and the National Education Association for many years. She was a pioneer in the field of women counselors in education and loved teaching and working with students. She did volunteer work and helped with the Literacy Council after moving to Lebanon. She had her pilot’s license, and had traveled extensively. She enjoyed fly fishing and riding horses, had a love for all animals and birds, liked feeding the birds and was especially close to her Scottie dogs.
Linda was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and aunt, and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate her life and know that her family and friends will cherish the wonderful memories she created for them throughout the years.
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