Linda M. Zaffke

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Linda M. Zaffke, who left us peacefully surrounded by her family on February 3, 2026, at the age of 72. Born on June 5, 1953, to Dorothy and Edward Schmidt, she grew up in Saint Germain, Wisconsin where she helped her parents with their resort on Lost Lake. Linda lived a life filled with love, compassion, and unwavering devotion to her family and community. Recently, she celebrated 50 years of marriage with her husband Gary. Linda settled in Cedarburg, WI where she and Gary raised their family.

She is survived by her husband Gary Zaffke, her daughters Natalie Zaffke and Katie Pape, her grandson Payton Pape, sisters Chris Wetzel (Rick Wetzel), Patricia McIntire (Derek McIntire), brother Gary Schmidt (Tammy Schmidt), sister-in-law Judy Ciardo (Richard Ciardo) as well as an abundance of nieces, nephews and cousins who she all loved very much.

She is preceded in death by her beloved granddaughter Isabella Pape and parents Edward Schmidt and Dorothy Squire (Schmidt).

Linda was renowned for her nurturing spirit, spending over 20 years as a labor and delivery nurse at Columbia St. Mary's Hospital in Milwaukee. Her passion for caring extended beyond the hospital, being known as a nurturing mother figure to many. With a love of travel, her next career move brought her to Midwest Express for 17 years working in the charter department the majority of her time there. She ended her career and retired in September 2022 from Tapco in Brown Deer. Affectionately known as "Mama Linda" during her time there as a sales representative, she was known for her relationship building both internally and externally. She always brought joy and comfort to all who crossed her path.

A true lover of life, Linda loved an adventure and was a world traveler. She particularly loved cruising although as long as there was a beach, she was in heaven. A gifted artisan, she found joy in making jewelry, often sharing her creations with family and friends. She loved playing Sheepshead, Uno and Cribbage with her family for family game nights. 

Could we maybe say, Linda loved a good rom com, always an iced tea, and all things Diane Keaton! She loved the west wing, and reality shows she watched with Bella.

An active member of her Bahá'í community, Linda was deeply committed to her values of love and service, always placing the needs of others before her own. Her legacy is one of kindness, as she provided a safe haven for family and friends, exuding love and compassion in every interaction.

Linda's heart was forever linked to her family, and she will be dearly missed by her husband, Gary, her loving children, cherished grandson, and countless friends. Though she faced the heartbreaking loss of her beloved granddaughter, Bella, Linda lived her life as a beacon of strength and resilience, teaching those around her the true meaning of love and devotion.

We invite family and friends to join us in celebrating Linda's life on Friday February 6, 2026. We will have a wake at Immanuel Lutheran Church (W61 N498 Washington Ave.), in Cedarburg from 11-1pm, followed by a service and then a graveside service at Immanuel Cemetery in Cedarburg, Wisconsin. In her memory, let us gather to honor a woman whose life exuded love and kindness, and whose spirit will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Rest in peace, dear Linda. Your legacy of love will continue to shine brightly in our hearts.