Linda Weeks

Linda Margaret Halberg Weeks died peacefully at home on April 19th of complications from non-Hodgkins and Hodgkins Lymphoma. At her death she was 66 years and 11 months of age.
Linda was born on May 16, 1938 in Denver, Colorado to Walter and Ina Halberg.
Walter died in a car accident when Linda was 2 years old. Her family later moved to Torrence, California where she graduated from high school.
Linda married James Purnell McCormick in 1958 and they had two children, James Walter and Cynthia Linnea.
They lived in California, Idaho, and Colorado before settling in Des Moines, Iowa in 1962. While in Des Moines, Linda was active in the Junior League and in Republican politics. She hosted Robert Ray's first fund raising event in his run for Governor of Iowa as well as organized all of his subsequent fund raisers during his first successful Governor's race.
In 1969, Linda went to work for the Iowa Development Commission as their "Events Coordinator." In this position, she organized the 1971 Midwest Governor's Conference in Sioux City, Iowa, which Governor Ray hosted for 14 Governors. She also directed the "Sell Iowa" trips to Europe and major cities in the states as well as conducting advance work for trips to California.
Linda married Richard Ray Weeks in 1973 and they moved to Davenport, Iowa when Richard became President of the Quad City Development Group. At this time, a friend suggested Linda meet a young man, Jim Leach, who was interested in running for the first district seat in Congress.
Linda managed Leach's first Congressional race in 1974 against incumbent Ed Mezvinsky from Iowa City. After the 1974 loss, Linda and Leach again teamed up in 1976 and produced an election win. That year, Linda was the only female campaign manager in the country to win her congressional race. She created the idea of handing out "Indian Headbands" transcribed with the candidate's name for parades and other community events. Linda's idea has been widely copied throughout the United States. Former President George H.W. Bush wrote her a note, saying "What a great idea - thanks."
From 1976-1995, Linda was the District Director for Congressman Jim Leach. In this capacity, she was responsible for running his district operations. She also managed his campaigns and/or served as a consultant until 1996. She strongly encouraged and helped many local candidates to run for public office.
Linda served on the Davenport Housing Commission board for 11 years. The Commission administers federal grant funds that the City of Davenport receives for low-income housing. She also served on the board of the Neighborhood Housing Service, a partnership between the City of Davenport and the banking community to prevent the east side neighborhood from declining. Linda was honored by the Housing Service as the second recipient of the Larry Reed Award.
In her retirement Linda enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren. Her grandson Scott Schueller spent his school vacations with Linda and Richard; traveling to Mexico, the British Virgin Islands and Disney World. Linda also had a passion for interior design. She helped many friends and family members decorate their homes on a "budget."
Linda is survived by her husband, Richard, son, James Walter McCormick (Jariya) of Arlington,VA; daughter Cynthia Linnea McCormick Weeks (Scott Teasdale) of Davenport, Iowa; stepdaughters Wendy Kay Weeks of Davenport, Iowa; and Jennifer Lea Schueller of Superior, Wisconsin. Her grandchildren include Scott Schueller, Thompson and Linnea Teasdale; James Jr., and Jantara McCormick. She is also survived by her sisters Beverly Babb of Oak Harbor, Washington and Gail Childers of Denver, Colorado.
There will be a party in her honor on Saturday, April 30 at the Rock Island Arsenal Country Club from 11am-1pm with brunch served. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the charity of your choice. No invitation or reservation is necessary.