Mary “Linda” Gardner, age 79, of Rhinelander, WI, passed away on Sunday, December 9, 2018, at Seasons of Life Hospice House in Woodruff, WI.  Mary was born on March 11, 1939, in Mauston, WI, to the late John and Virginia (Babcock) Gardner.  She was married to Ronald Kolinski in 1958 and later married Kenneth Dibbles.

Linda was a high school graduate of P. J. Jacobs High School in Stevens Point, WI.  After high school, Linda married Ron and they lived in Whiting, WI, for some time and then moved to Rhinelander.  Linda was a devoted homemaker who lovingly raised her 6 children.  She later worked at the Bump Clinic for a few years and also the Koinonia Halfway House.  She became very involved with the 12-Step Program which truly enriched her life.  Linda was known to open her home to people in the program who needed a safe place to stay and a place to hopefully heal.  She felt this to be her true mission; to be helpful to those who needed another chance and had nowhere to go.  Linda enjoyed dancing, reading, crocheting and knitting.  She loved getting together with family and friends for potlucks, camping, and bonfires.

Survivors include:

4 Daughters, Karen (Bryan) Dahlin, Gail (Theo) Kock, Kim (John) Huebner, and Christine (Mike) Leduc;

2 Sons, Michael (Esther) Kolinski, and Scott (Patty) Kolinski;

2 Stepsons, Jimmy (Tami) Dibbles, and Tommy Dibbles;

2 Brothers, Jack (Phyllis) Gardner, and Terrance (Sandy) Gardner.

She is further survived by 11 Grandchildren and 4 Great-Grandchildren.

Linda was preceded in death by her Parents, John and Virginia; her First Husband, Ron; her Second Husband, Ken; and one Brother, Denny.

Memorial Services for Mary “Linda” Gardner will be held on Friday, January 11, 2019, at the Church of Christ in Rhinelander, at 11:00 AM.  Generations Funeral Home & Crematory of Tomahawk is assisting the family.  View Linda’s obituary and leave online condolences at generationsfuneral.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to the Oneida County Humane Society or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.