Linda Rieschick 1950-2026
Linda Sue Rieschick, 75, of Soldier, entered her heavenly home on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at her home in Soldier, surrounded by her husband, children and siblings.
Linda was born on Nov. 29, 1950, to Wilford “Tommy” and Dorothy (Major) Tribble. She graduated from Soldier High School in 1968. Two years later, on June 6, 1970, the Homecoming Queen of ’68 married the Homecoming King of ’67, LeRoy Ward Rieschick. Together they shared 56 wonderful years of marriage. LeRoy was known to comment that all those years together were spent with “never a cross word” from Linda. After receiving one of Linda’s signature looks, he would quickly add, “nothing justified anyway,” followed by a wink and a smile.
After high school, Linda graduated from the Clark School of Business. She was a devoted homemaker and spent several years painting and wallpapering homes. However, the work she loved most was serving the students of Jackson Heights. Linda worked for many years in the high school kitchen until all four of her children graduated, then later continued in the elementary school kitchen. To countless students, she became affectionately known as “Grandma Linda.” She was famous for quietly slipping children second helpings whenever she could and brightened countless mornings with the “Joke Of The Day” board, making sure no school day passed without a smile.
Linda’s life was firmly rooted in her faith. One of her favorite Bible verses was Genesis 1:28: “Be fruitful and multiply and replenish the earth…” She lovingly interpreted that verse as, “Make lots of grandbabies,” and her children enthusiastically accepted the challenge.
She was blessed with four children: David Rieschick, Brian Rieschick, Jennifer “Jenny” Horton and Rebecca “Becky” Bauman.
David and his wife Christy blessed Linda with four granddaughters: Caitlyn (Ty) Neier, Lauren (Garrett) Lambrecht, Alexis (Harley) Wright and Makenna (Zack) Johnson (fiancé). The grandkids, in turn, blessed Linda with great-grandchildren Scarlett and Benjamin; Lilah, Olivia and Henry; and Elliot.
Brian balanced David’s abundance of granddaughters by giving Linda three grandsons: Spencer (Lily) Rieschick, Austin (Faith) Rieschick and Grant (Miranda) Rieschick. Together they added great-granddaughters Adelyn, Katherine and Ivy to the ever-growing family.
Jenny and her husband Tommy welcomed three granddaughters into the family: Marissa (Shawn) Gardner, Madelynn “Maddy” and Emma. Marissa added two great-grandsons, Kacey and Callan.
Becky and husband Nathan rounded out the family with sons Taylor (Laeny) Bauman and Marcus (Trinity) Bauman (fiancé) and daughter Brooklyn (Brady) Mulroy. The Baumans blessed Linda with great-grandsons Ebbet and Camden and great-granddaughter Bennett “Benny Kate.”
Linda’s greatest joy was her family. She delighted in every grandchild and great-grandchild and never missed an opportunity to celebrate each new addition to the family tree. As her family grew, Linda tried to never miss a sporting event or program her grandkids were in. It wasn’t unusual to find her at two events in a single evening while streaming a third on her phone.
Linda is survived by her beloved husband, LeRoy; her children David Rieschick, Brian Rieschick, Jennifer Horton and Rebecca Bauman; her brother, Alan (Louella) Tribble; her older sister Jeannie Keehn; younger sister Kathy (Phil) Flesher; along with her cherished grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family and many dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Wilford “Tommy” and Dorothy Tribble; her parents-in-law, Claude and Betty Rieschick; and her brother-in-law, Sam Keehn.
Linda’s priorities in life were simple and unwavering: God, family, joy, laughter with friends and caring for the home she loved. She faithfully served her church throughout her life, volunteering wherever she was needed. She treasured morning coffee with friends and gatherings with her classmates, conversations that usually included a friendly accounting of whose children were doing the best job of “being fruitful and multiplying.”
She also loved working outdoors. Even after doctors encouraged her to slow down, Linda continued tending her flowers, garden and yard. Her dedication can still be seen in the beautiful rock garden along the road in front of her home, built one rock at a time over multiple years. Near the end of her life, in response to doctors’ counsel on taking it easy, Linda would respond, “I only have a few more rocks to move.”
Family gatherings were Linda’s specialty. She planned every detail with love and often stayed up through the night preparing enough food not only for the meal but for everyone to take leftovers home. Everyone was welcome — family, friends, boyfriends, girlfriends and anyone who needed a place to belong. An unexpected guest at the family for Christmas was preceded by a last-minute trip to ensure there was another gift waiting under the tree. Those new to the family often remarked that the amount of love shown at Rieschick gatherings “might take some getting used to.” Nearly every holiday ended the same way — with Linda and LeRoy dancing together while the family gathered around to watch, smiling at the love they shared.
Linda will be remembered for her unwavering faith, generous heart, witty humor, welcoming spirit and the joy she brought to everyone fortunate enough to know her. Her legacy lives on in the family she treasured, the students she cared for, the friends she cherished and the countless lives she touched with kindness, laughter and love.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, July 20 at Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Burial will follow at Soldier Cemetery. Linda will lie in state Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the funeral home and the family will greet friends from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
Memorials may be made to Buck’s Grove United Methodist Church, Jackson Heights Foundation or Soldier Fire Dept. #2, sent in care of Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com
(PAID OBITUARY)
