Linda Stephanie

Linda Stephanie (Petrie), age 71, of rural St. Cloud, passed away peacefully on December 13, 2025, in her home surrounded by her loved ones. Her final days were filled with visits from family and friends, a testament to the deep connections she nurtured throughout her life.
Born on July 28, 1954, in Sheboygan, Linda was the daughter of Delmar and Sylvia (Hanke) Petrie. Linda attended Holy Cross Grade School and graduated from New Holstein High School in 1972. From an early age, she exhibited a vibrant spirit and a natural gift for connecting with others-qualities that would define her life's journey.
Linda wore many hats throughout her life: farmer, teacher, confidant, devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She dedicated part of her career to teaching at Chilton Middle School, where she influenced countless young minds with patience and care. In addition to her work in education, she contributed her time and talents at Salchert's Meat Market and Baker Cheese. Whether in classrooms or behind the scenes, Linda brought warmth and conversation wherever she went.
On May 25, 1974, she married Dan Stephanie, they shared over 50 years of marriage. Together they raised four children: Mike, Heather, Marc, and Holly. Linda cherished her role as a mother and later as a grandmother. She was especially proud to be a nanny to her two youngest grandchildren and rarely missed any of her grandchildren's sporting events. Her presence on the sidelines was constant-cheering them on with pride and joy and bragging to anyone near her about her grandchildren.
Linda was known for being an avid conversationalist who never met a person she didn't want to talk to. With an uncanny ability to find common ground with anyone she encountered, she always had a story to tell or a connection to share. Her social nature earned her the affectionate title of "social butterfly," and it was not uncommon for her children's friends to feel like part of the family under her welcoming embrace.
A true "Wrestling Mom," Linda supported her children's endeavors wholeheartedly and extended that same encouragement to those around them. She put others first in everything she did-a selfless trait that endeared her to many.
Linda is survived by her beloved husband Dan; their children Mike Stephanie, Heather (Aric) McArthur, Marc (Krystal) Stephanie, and Holly (Shawn) Semph; as well as numerous grandchildren (Ruby, Emma, Amelia, Carlee, Kalvin and Raegan) who brought immense joy into her life. She is survived by her siblings, Sharon (Dan) Fruend, Mike (Nancy) Petrie, Tom Petrie, Kevin (Kris) Petrie, Lois (Ron) Mashin, Kathy Gerner, Sam (Mike) Toney, Sue (Roger) Mullenbach, Barb (Danny) Schwind, Lynn (Tom) Dee, Doug (Michelle) Stephanie and many nieces and nephews and her Godchildren Lori Lemke, Amy Goebel, and Vallery Wallner. She also leaves behind many friends whose lives were brightened by her kindness and conversation.
She was preceded in death by her parents Delmar and Sylvia Petrie; parents-in-law Roger and Lettie Stephanie; and brother-in-law George Gerner.
Funeral Services will be held at 3:00 PM on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at the Sippel Funeral Home, 1311 Thorp Street, St. Cloud, WI 53079. Per Linda's wishes, cremation has taken place.
Visitation: Family and friends may visit with Linda's family at the Sippel Funeral Home in St. Cloud on Saturday, December 20th from 11:00 AM until 2:30 PM.
Linda's legacy is one of love, laughter, generosity, and connection-a life lived fully through relationships both near and far. May her memory bring comfort to all who knew her. Her family would like to thank Suzy Entringer, Sharon S. Richardson Hospice, especially Shannon and Marshal, the staff at Aurora Hospital in Sheboygan, and Homestead Health Care in New Holstein and the countless people that visited with Linda for showing her the love, support, and care during her time of need.
For further information, please contact the Sippel Funeral Home in St. Cloud (920) 999-2291 or visit www.sippelfuneralhome.net.