Linda D. Prechtel (Nee Laughery)

Linda Diane Prechtel (nee Laughery) passed away at home on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at age 81. Linda was born September 9, 1943, in Omaha, Nebraska, daughter of the late Lynn and Helen (Tilman) Laughery.

After moving to the Milwaukee suburbs as a child, Linda was a proud graduate of Brookfield Central High School’s Class of 1961. As a car enthusiast, Linda was known to race her 1964 Malibu up and down Highway 100. Many years later, she owned a 1938 Chevy hot rod and enjoyed classic car shows.

God graced Linda with two blessings in the form of her daughters, Valerie and Christine. Tragically, Valerie only lived to her second birthday, her life claimed far too soon. Christine was Linda’s pride and joy, raising her in Sturtevant while putting herself through Gateway Technical College at night. Linda earned her Associate’s Degree and later was employed by Ameritech for many years.

In retirement, Linda enjoyed spending time with family. She loved traveling, appreciating both the journey and the destination, taking many cruises, swimming in the ocean, and watching her cherished granddaughter Hailey play at the beach. Hailey also enjoyed when her “Nana” taught her about family history, sewing, reading, and cooking during their time together. Linda was also always up for a game of rummy, winning far more often than she lost.

Linda also kept herself busy in recent years through technology – her tablet constantly buzzing with notifications from her favorite apps and games, her Twitter account and Facebook groups. When her devices were charging, Linda would work on a logic puzzle, a crossword, or a jigsaw puzzle featuring a Thomas Kincaid design.
Linda above all else was a fiercely loyal daughter, sister, wife, mother, mother-in-law, aunt, and grandmother to many people who loved her very much. She was always there to listen, offer advice, and lend a helping hand wherever needed. She is already greatly missed.

Linda was the mother of her beloved daughter Christine (Scott) Sawers, proud grandmother of Hailey Brandt, close family member to Ron Brandt and Anne Champion, dear sister of Tony (Maureen) Laughery and Larry (Theresa) Laughery, and sister-in-law of Kathy Laughery. Linda is preceded in death by former husband Wayne Prechtel (father of Valerie and Christine), brother Jerry Laughery, and daughter Valerie Prechtel. Linda is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

A Visitation will be held on Saturday, March 1, 2025, from 10:00AM-11:30AM followed by a Service at 11:30AM at HERITAGE FUNERAL HOME 16880 W. National Ave. New Berlin, WI 53151. Burial to follow at St. Paul Lutheran Church Cemetery S66 W14325 W. Janesville Rd, Muskego, WI 53150.