Linda Miotke

Memorial service for Linda Miotke, 70, of Aberdeen will be 4:00 p.m., Monday, February 6, 2012 at Schriver's Memorial Mortuary and Crematory, 414 5th Avenue NW, Aberdeen with Father Shaun Haggerty officiating.

Friends may sign her on-line guest book at the bottom of the page.

Linda passed away Thursday, February 2, 2012 at ManorCare Health Services in Aberdeen. Blessed be her memory.

A Life Well-Lived and Fondly Remembered -

Linda Rochelle (Callahan) Miotke was born on September 1, 1941, in Morganton, North Carolina. She was the daughter of Alfred and Thelma (Lackey) Callahan and the oldest of four children. Her siblings are sister, Judy Smith of Morganton, North Carolina, and two brothers, Ronnie and Tommy, both deceased. Linda was a proud "Air Force brat" and cherished her experiences growing up at various locations throughout the U.S. As a young woman, she was crowned Queen of the First Annual Loring AFB Winter Carnival. She graduated from Warrensburg (Missouri) High School in 1959. She was married to Donnan Miotke on August 20, 1960 in Warrensburg, Missouri. Linda gave birth to their first child, Donnan Miotke, Jr. on August 2, 1961, at Whiteman AFB in Warrensburg, Missouri. Shortly thereafter, they moved to Malmstrom AFB in Great Falls, Montana, where the second of their two children, Sheryl (Miotke) Gates, was born on February 10, 1963. Linda and Donnan moved to the Miotke family farm at Pickerel Lake, near Grenville, South Dakota, in 1965.

Linda began her 32-year career with the Northeast South Dakota Headstart Program in 1971, where she served as a teacher until 1981. From 1981 to 1991, Linda became a Family Services Coordinator for the Headstart Program, responsible for the Social Service and Mental Health services for the entire program area. Her next position with Headstart was serving as the Center-Based Education Coordinator, supervising center staff and assuring that families and children received needed services from appropriate agencies. Linda was in this position until 1994 when she became the Education Manager for the Northeast South Dakota Headstart Program. As Education Manager, Linda was responsible for the effective operation of the Early Childhood Development and Health Services areas of the program. In addition to the many roles that Linda filled in the Headstart program, she also served as the Child Development Associate (CDA) Trainer/Advisor from 1972 to 2004. She assisted 20 staff people in receiving their CDA and received her own CDA credential in May, 1977. During the course of her countless and dedicated hours to the Headstart Program, Linda also earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Organizational Behavior & Management, including 36 hours in Early Childhood Education/Development.

Linda's vibrant role in the lives of children was far from over when she began her position as Education Assistant at Aberdeen Central High School. She assisted teachers and students in accomplishing the goals of high school students in the Special Education Program. Linda continued to touch the lives of children, staff and families as she served the Aberdeen School District from 2004 to 2011, when she retired.

Linda Miotke unmistakably found her purpose in children and their families, whether it was on a professional or personal level. Her positive attitude and engaging personality made her a magnet to children and the attraction was clearly mutual. She touched the lives of all she encountered and left each better for the experience. Her character was delightful and treasured by all she came to know, whether that time was brief or extended. Those near to her will always remember her "units" her impeccable taste and ability in decorating and fashion. She truly was a Southern lady that enjoyed tremendous satisfaction in her home and her appearance.

Linda made Aberdeen her home from 1987, when she and Donnan were divorced, until she passed away at Manor Care on February 2, 2011. Her son, Donnan, Jr. lives in Aberdeen with his wife, Rhonda and her daughter, Sheryl, lives in Virginia and has two sons, Andrew and David. Linda was a very proud grandma and managed to spend as much time as possible with them during their visits to South Dakota and her visits to Virginia. She was successful in not letting distance keep her from remaining close to her "babies".

Those who were fortunate enough to know Linda well, appreciated her incredible sense of humor and her amazing outlook on life, even when faced with her toughest challenge as she was diagnosed with kidney cancer in June of 2005. And in 2008 the cancer metastasized to her bone. With the steadfast service of the Conklin Regional Cancer Center, Linda remained responsive to treatment until her passing. A heartfelt thank you and gratitude is extended to Dr. Mogan, Dr. Conklin, Avera St. Lukes, Avera McKennan, Manor Care and all the staff that gave Linda the compassionate care she was so deserving of. Linda had the utmost respect for her caregivers and her faith in them was unwavering.

Surviving Linda are her children, Donnan (Rhonda) Miotke, Jr. of Aberdeen and Sheryl Gates of Paris, VA; two grandchildren, Andrew Gates and David Gates; and one sister, Judy Smith of Morganton, NC.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers Ronnie Callahan and Tommy Callahan.

"Wish not so much to live long as to live well." - Benjamin Franklin

 

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