Linda M. “Lin” Wollschlager

Visitation: To be held on Monday, December 19th, 2022 at Ascension Lutheran Church (1415 Dopp St. in Waukesha) from 11AM-1PM.
Memorial Services: To be held on Monday, December 19th, 2022 at Ascension Lutheran Church (1415 Dopp St. in Waukesha) at 1PM.

Linda M. “Lin” Wollschlager (nee Simon) was welcomed into the loving arms of the Lord on Monday, December 12, 2022 at age 71.

Born on January 11, 1951 in Milwaukee, WI, she was the daughter of the late Richard and Lorraine (Fischer) Simon and big sister to Richard M. “Ric” Simon. Lin attended 67 Street Grade School, Alexander Graham Bell Junior High, and graduated from Alexander Hamilton High School in 1969.

Lin was frequently called “Big-Little Sister” or “Linny Lou” by her younger and taller brother Ric.  His first memory of Lin was at age two when his big sister was leaving him for her first day of school. With no understanding of what was happening, he cried the half day until she returned. That bond of love strengthened for more than six decades as they shared family joys and challenges. Lin and Ric were blessed to have devoted parents that helped to establish their faith and love of Christ, family, friends and each other.  A bond that stood the test of time.

Singing was her first love, and she was a member of the school chorus and later joined Sing Out Milwaukee, a branch of the vocal group Up With People, who sang at Milwaukee’s first Summerfest in 1968. Singing with this group is where she met her future husband, Alan, who was President of Sing Out Milwaukee.

On September 19, 1970 she was united in marriage to Alan “Al” Wollschlager. They first lived in West Allis, WI, then after a short residence in Parsippany, New Jersey, settled in Waukesha, WI. Lin worked as an executive assistant for most of her working career; for the VP of Midland Bank, the phone company, Graham Gear Systems, and retired from Al’s company, Engineering Gear Systems, in 2019.

Lin was blessed with two children, becoming a mom in 1975 to Jeffrey Alan and in 1978 to David Scott. She provided a foundation and life of love, faith, and care. She welcomed her boys every morning with a hug and kiss and put them to bed the same. She was the number one fan, supporter, and encourager of her boys, and later her grandsons.  She provided endless transportation for her boys to all childhood events where memorable conversations were shared. Mom ensured she was at every event to further connect with her sons and see their efforts. She provided a home filled with love and grace where her boys and friends would play and gather.  Lin did not just love her sons, but also their friends.  Mom always took a sincere interest in everything Jeff and David partook in or brought to her.  Mom set an example of how to love.  She always made herself available to listen and loved leaving notes to surprise you with a little message of love and support.  Her hugs and hands placed upon your cheeks while looking into your eyes and telling you that she loved you will be dearly missed, never forgotten and always felt.  Everything Mom did was to shine the love and grace of Jesus and the strength and freedom available through Him.

Diagnosed at age 6 with Type 1 Diabetes, Lin outlived all expectations by living over 65 years with the disease. She will be greatly missed by Al, her beloved husband of 52 years; her children Jeff (Angie) and David (Lotus) Wollschlager; grandsons Jacob, Ian, and Kaden; brother, Ric Simon; mother-in-law, Ruth Dewitz; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Lin was a long-time member of Ascension Lutheran Church in Waukesha, where she continued her love of singing with the choir and folk choir for over 35 years. Lin also shared her beautiful voice in numerous weddings and funerals. She also spread her creativity, love, and faith to others through their card ministry, Living Letters, done by the “Stampin’ Grannies.” She founded and solely ran Sunshine Ministries in which she sent out cards for birthdays, encouragement, and special anniversaries. For many years Lin volunteered with Care Ministries that helped others with bereavement.

She was an avid reader and also loved backyard birding. Cardinals were her favorite, but she enjoyed all birds and wildlife. She loved the mountains and waterfalls and being surrounded by nature. Her indoor hobbies included assembling puzzles, cardmaking, and for nearly 20 years, creating an annual “Lin’s Christmas Collection,” a bound book of inspirational stories, humorous comics, pictures, recipes, and songs.

Lin will be remembered most for her love and devotion to her family and her faith. She was so proud of her children and grandchildren. She lived for quality time with them and creating fun and lasting memories. She connected with her grandsons by sharing stories, as well as cutting out comics and articles she knew they’d be interested in. She loved to play board games with them and earned the nickname “Gramma Nut” from the many games of Candyland. Her grandsons fondly remember her reading with them, finding Goldbug in Cars and Trucks and Things That Go was a favorite. No matter how she was feeling, she would attend as many sports and activities as she could. She loved deeply and always worked to let her loved ones and friends know how much they meant to her, which will leave a lasting legacy of love.

Visitation will take place on Monday, December 19^th, 2022 at Ascension Lutheran Church; 1415 Dopp St. in Waukesha from 11AM until the Celebration of Life at 1PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations made to Ascension Lutheran Church in Lin’s name are welcomed.