Linda Kautz OSTERKAMP

OSTERKAMP, Linda Kautz was born June 26, 1942, in Schenectady, New York, daughter of the late Richard C. Kautz and Mary Elda (Stein) Kautz. Linda married the late Thomas P. Smith on August 28, 1965 in Muscatine, Iowa. They were divorced in 1976. On March 21, 1987, Linda married Waite R. Osterkamp at her parents' home in Muscatine. In 1959, Linda was an American Field Service exchange student to Oamaru, New Zealand. During that time she attended Waitaki Girls High School while living with the William Laney family. Friendships she made then lasted a lifetime. Linda graduated from Muscatine High School, the University of Iowa, and the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics Dietetic Internship. In 1980, Linda earned an M.S., and in 1988, a PhD in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Arizona in Tucson, Arizona. She practiced, taught, and published in many venues as a Registered Dietitian throughout her adult life. Linda was also active in a number of professional organizations, and in 1995 became a Charter Fellow of the American Dietetic Association. Survivors include her husband, Waite; a son, Seth A. (Lori) Smith; daughter, Rebecca E. Smith (Adam) Gross; stepson, Jeffrey M. (Erica) Osterkamp; stepdaughter, Laurel A. (Richard Fleischman) Osterkamp; seven grandchildren, Theodore C. Smith, McKinzie S. Smith, Hunter S. Smith, Aaron S. Gross, Eli R. Fleischman, Pauline R. Fleischman, and Jonathan H. Osterkamp; five sisters, Judith A. Kautz, Susan E. Kautz, Sarah J. Aavang, Mary C. (Jay) Huff, and Jennifer W. (Marc) McKee; two brothers, John T. (Rebecca) Kautz, and Thomas R. (Cynthia) Kautz; as well as many nieces and nephews. Linda was preceded in death by her parents, a niece, and a nephew. Linda died of pancreatic cancer on March 22, 2017 at the age of 74. A private service commemorating her life will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Tucson Medical Center Foundation's Hospice Services/Peppi's House, The Nature Conservancy, and Planned Parenthood for women's health services. Arrangements by NEPTUNE SOCIETY.