Linda Lou Ruschmann

Linda Lou (Burns) Ruschmann, 74, died peacefully in her sleep, with her son, Brandon, by her side, on August 9, 2022 in Cherokee, Iowa after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

As the beloved matriarch of her close-knit family, Linda will be lovingly remembered by her son Brandon, daughter-in-law Crystal, and her cherished grandsons Connor, Thomas and Max. She also leaves behind two brothers, Steve (Doneta) Burns of Parkersburg, IA and Kevin (Sandy) Burns of Oviedo, FL and their families which include three nieces, three great nephews and one great great niece. 

Linda was born to Bob and Evie Burns, who preceded her in death, on June 24, 1948 in Ida Grove, Iowa. She was the eldest of three children, doting on her ornery little brothers their entire lives.  Described by them as loving, protective and selfless, she was a wonderful older sister.  Linda was a talented athlete playing both softball and basketball in high school and after graduating, she continued her education to become a Beautician.  This sparked a life-long passion for hair, makeup and nail care.  She was rarely found without a manicure, perfectly teased hair and beautiful makeup.

As an involved member of her community, Linda frequently enjoyed lunch out with her friends, belonged to several women’s organizations, and played in multiple card clubs.  In her later years, she worked in the Recorder’s Office of the Cherokee County Courthouse until her retirement in 2012. 

Perhaps her proudest achievement in life was the relationship she built with her son and his family. Without a doubt, her most treasured role in life was being a grandma.  Linda would drop everything and change appointments at a moment’s notice to be able to pick up and spend time with her three grandsons.  They have cherished memories of her feeding them delicious snacks before supper, brushing off any concerns their parents had about ruined appetites.  She was a consistent cheerleader at their sporting events and loved being intimately involved in their lives as they grew up.    

Over the years Linda had a steadfast and loving presence in the lives of her extended family members, as well. She was well-known for calling each of them - and their spouses and children - on their birthdays every year.  As a caring and compassionate woman, Linda was always available for a chat when one of her sisters-in-law, Doneta and Sandy or nieces, Stephanie Burns, Sheena Burns or Amanda (Andrew) Brink needed a listening ear.  She was a wonderful aunt to her great nephews Braden, Drew and Xander and more recently was able to meet her great, great niece Kinsley for the first time.

Linda’s warm and inviting personality mixed with her amazing baking and cooking skills meant her home was often filled to the brim with family and friends who were well fed and well loved.  It was not uncommon to find she had made several different desserts in order to have everyone’s favorites available during the holidays.

Described by her son Brandon as a “spirited” and kind woman, Linda was adored and loved by so many.  Her family and friends will miss her very much.

“May the road rise up to meet you.

May the wind be always at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face;

the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again,

may God hold you in the palm of His hand.”

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to the Cherokee Regional Hospital Hospice Team.

The family would also like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the nurses and hospice team at Cherokee Regional Hospital who were amazing and attentive caretakers in Linda’s final days. 

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