Linnea L. Schieche

Linnea L. Schieche of La Crosse, WI passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on January 20, 2023. She was born June 30, 1935, in La Crosse to Ruby and Emil Benson. Linnea grew up on the family farm in Mound Prairie, MN. As a family they moved to Houston, MN and later to La Crosse. Linnea went on to graduate from La Crosse Central High School.

Linnea worked for Gundersen Lutheran Hospital for over 30 years; in 1990 she was awarded the YWCA Tribute to Outstanding Women for her leadership contributions at Lutheran Hospital and in the greater La Crosse community. She was known for her wonderful homemade apple pies and cookies, beautifully knitted dishcloths, and her always blossoming garden. In her free time, Linnea loved to play cards, garden, spend time with family, and go to the casino with Bob. She was an active walker, tracking and competing for steps with her daughter, Cathie, on her Fitbit. Linnea also loved travelling the world with Cathie, spending time in 14 European countries. Her favorite spots were Tallinn, Estonia; Florence, Italy; and Paris, France. She was known to have a spit-fire sense of humor and good-hearted laugh. She was always up for hosting a family gathering and especially enjoyed hosting Bingo parties, complete with “fabulous” prizes.

Linnea is survived by her husband and best friend, Bob Schieche, daughter Cathie (Dick) Karth of Shawano WI, grandchildren Olivia (Zac) Keller of Tallahassee FL, Jenna (Dan) Forsythe of Onalaska, Chris (Erin) Alitz of Sheboygan WI, and numerous nieces and nephews, including a special niece, Linnea (Alan) Oty of Plymouth WI. She is further survived by Bob's children, Dan Schieche, Jean Stancil, Jim Schieche, and Bill (Shelly) Schieche and their families all of La Crosse.

She was proceeded in death by her first husband, Charles Shinault, son Chuck Shinault, brother Max Benson, and sisters Roma Crandall, Jarda Parrish, and Jane Hengel.

The family wants to give special thanks to friend and doctor, Dr. Leah Metz of Gundersen Medical Center, who gave so much of herself to Linnea and helped keep her in good health for a very long time.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home (200 West Avenue South-La Crosse) on Tuesday, January 24th from 1pm to 3pm.