Linda M. Heinisch

Linda M. Heinisch, 68, lost her brief but valiant battle with leukemia at her home in DeKalb on April 29, 2017.   Linda Margaret Diedrich was born in DeKalb on October 17, 1948, the third child of Robert & Gwyn Diedrich.  From the beginning, her parents said she was full of mischief with a curious nature, always into everything.  Those traits proved true throughout her life.

Linda attended DeKalb High School, graduating in 1966 and the University of Illinois (Urbana) in 1970 where she was active in clubs, sports and made many lifelong friends. She worked for 30 years in the hospitality business managing major hotels for Hyatt, Le Meridien, Marriott, and Westin.  She was honored as the Hyatt General Manager of the Year in 1985.

Linda married Raymond Heinisch on January 26, 2002 and embraced a new career as a farmer's wife.  She enjoyed gardening, traveling, cooking, sharing moments on the deck with family and friends, and spending time with her grandchildren who were the highlights of her life.  When Linda hosted a gathering, it was always perfect.

Linda married Thomas O'Toole in Long Beach, CA on June 11, 1983.  They spent 15 years together with their golden retrievers Molly I and Molly II, proudly sharing in the lives of her three stepchildren and grandchildren. Following Tom's death in March 1998, Linda decided to relocate and reconnect with her Midwestern roots.   It gave her great pleasure to be back in farm country with family and friends.  She worked locally for DeKalb United Way, Bio-Life Plasma Services, and the DeKalb County Economic Development Corporation.

Linda was blessed with a kind and generous spirit. She was always willing to share her energy and time for the benefit of others.  She was extensively involved in many local philanthropic efforts including Opportunity House, United Way, Feed My Starving Children and was active as a Eucharistic Minister at St. Mary Church and in the local hospital.  She was also involved with several additional ministries: the St. Mary's Ministry of Companionship and the Divine Mercy Sunday Planning Team.

Linda was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas O'Toole, her parents and her sister, Diane.  She is survived by her husband Raymond Heinisch, her siblings Sarah (Gary) McMahon, Bartlett, IL, Robert (Andrea) Diedrich, Gilbert, AZ, Jane (Bob) Rosemier, Gilbert, AZ, Theresa (Michael) Brown, DeKalb, IL, Victoria (Chris) Cosby, Kirkwood, MO, Paul (Star) Diedrich, DeKalb, IL, Ann Diedrich, Bartlett, IL, Patrick (Maryann) Diedrich, DeKalb, IL, and Mike (Lisa) Diedrich, DeKalb, IL.  She is survived by stepchildren William (Jennifer) Heinisch, Kingston, IL, Andrew (Julie) Heinisch, Kingston, IL, Rachael (Jason) Van Heuklon, Bloomington, IL Peter (Valerie) Heinisch, Roscoe, IL, Colleen (Ed) Klosterman, Lake Forest, CA, Michael (Sandra) O'Toole, Long Beach, CA, Maureen O'Toole (Jim Purcell), Danville, CA, seventeen grandchildren, one great grandchild, many nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends.

The family expresses gratitude to the staff at Loyola Medical Center and KishHealth Service Hospice for their delicate care and compassion during her short illness.

A Visitation and Wake Service will be held at Finch Funeral Home, 310 Oak St. DeKalb, IL from 3:00 – 7:00pm on Thursday, May 4, 2017.  Visitation will be held at St. Mary Catholic Church, DeKalb, IL from 9:30 – 10:30 AM on Friday, May 5, 2017. The Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary Catholic Church, DeKalb, IL beginning at 10:30 AM on Friday, May 5, 2017 with Father Dean Russell officiating.  Burial will take place at St. Mary Cemetery, DeKalb, IL followed by a luncheon in the St. Mary Church Center. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Linda M. Heinisch Memorial Fund, addressed to the Heinisch family in care of Finch Funeral Home, DeKalb, IL.  Arrangements were entrusted to Finch Funeral Home 310 Oak St. DeKalb, IL 60115 815-758-3841.