Cato, WI (formerly of Racine) – Linda Kay (nee: Bartlett) Exner, age 70, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 27, 2018, at Manitowoc Health & Rehabilitation Center following a courageous battle with Alzheimer's.

Linda was born in Eau Claire, WI on December 19, 1947 to the late Warren and Hilda (nee: Lindquist) Bartlett. She was a 1966 graduate of William Horlick High School in Racine. On April 22, 1967 Linda was united in marriage with the love of her life Gary Lee Exner at Sacred Heart Catholic Church – Racine.

Linda was employed as a customer service representative with Walker Mfg. for over 23 years, retiring in 1996. With a profound Christian faith, Linda was a devoted member of Zion Lutheran Church in Racine serving in many council positions. In 1999, Linda and Gary relocated to Cato, WI where they became members of Faith Lutheran Church in Valders. Linda was involved in the church book club, Stephen Ministry, Quilters Club and was a lay minister delivering the sacrament of Holy Communion to members unable to attend church. As a tireless volunteer, Linda was active with the Racine Literacy Council, Mt. Carmel Nursing Home – Burlington and St. Mary's Nursing Home – Manitowoc. Her other interests included genealogy, Creative Memories scrapbooking , Jazzercise, tending her flower gardens and  traveling the world with Gary – having visited over 23 countries.  Above all, Linda loved spending time with family and friends.  She was friendly and outgoing and greeted everyone she met with her smile and infectious laughter.

Surviving are her loving husband of over 50 wonderful years, Gary; their children, Michael Exner and Deanna (Steve) Peel; sister, Diane (Aldon) Wedlund; brother, Bill Bartlett; sisters-in-law, Darlene Merriman and Barb (John) Wetz; brothers-in-law, Richard Exner (Kathy Lentz) and Thomas Exner; dedicated friends, Peter & Marilyn Burish and many special nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends – too numerous to mention.

In addition to her parents, Linda was preceded in death by her brothers, Donald Bartlett and Warren "Roger" Bartlett; sister-in-law, Sandra Bartlett; Gary's parents, Albert and Ruby (nee: Bethards) Exner; and brothers-in-law, Alan Exner and Jim Merriman.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, April 5, 2018 at 11:00 am in Mount Pleasant Lutheran Church (1700 S. Green Bay Road in Racine) with Pastor Krista Zimmerman officiating.  Interment will follow in West Lawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be in Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Wednesday, April 4 ^th , from 4:00 – 8:00 pm and in the church on Thursday from 10:00 – 11:00 am.  Memorials to the Alzheimer's Association have been suggested.

The family extends a heartfelt note of thanks to the staffs of Generations, Holy Family Memorial Hospital – especially the staff of 5E, University of Wisconsin Hospital System – Madison, Azura Memory Care, Heartland Hospice, and Manitowoc Health & Rehabilitation Center for the compassionate care & support given in Linda's time of need. May God bless all of you!

Service Details

Funeral Service: Thursday, April 5, 2018 at 11:00 am in Mount Pleasant Lutheran Church (1700 S. Green Bay Road in Racine) with Pastor Krista Zimmerman officiating.

Visitation: Wednesday, April 4th, in Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home (4600 County Line Road in Racine) from 4:00 – 8:00 pm and in the church on Thursday morning from 10:00 – 11:00 am.