Linda Joyce (Hesler) Meyerkord

Meyerkord, Linda Joyce (nee Hesler) passed away on January 20, 2025.

Beloved wife of Donald Meyerkord; mom of Melissa (Tim) Jennings, the late Robin Meyerkord, and Kelly (Brad) Wetzler; grandma of Tyler Jennings, Alexis (Tucker) Long, Nikki Jennings, Kole Wetzler, and Alec Wetzler; great-grandma of Luke Long; sister of Mary (the late Earl) Armstrong, Nadine (the late Ray) Mues, Herbie Hesler, the late Easter (Robert) Hartgraver, Dorothy (Pete) Kersting, and Myrtle (Walter and Carl) Boain; our aunt, cousin, and friend of many.

Linda passed away peacefully surrounded by her family at the age of 84, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, and selflessness. Born in West Frankfort, Illinois, the sixth of seven children, Linda came from humble beginnings. She attended Jennings High School, where she met the love of her life, Don. The quintessential high school sweethearts, Linda was a cheerleader, and Don was a basketball player-together, they were the perfect couple. After graduating in 1959, Linda embarked on a career in retail sales. Shortly after, on September 3, 1960, she and Don began their beautiful 64-year journey as husband and wife.

The couple was blessed with three daughters: Melissa, Robin, and Kelly. For nine years, they lived in Jennings before moving to Florissant in the Seven Hills neighborhood. There, they built a community of lifelong friendships with their wonderful neighbors, creating cherished memories over the next 15 years. Linda's devotion to her family extended to her active involvement at Salem Lutheran Black Jack, where her daughters attended grade school. She dedicated her time and energy to the school and church, making a lasting impact. Later, while her daughters were in high school, Linda returned to work in retail and hospital administration.

In 1986, Linda faced the unimaginable loss of her daughter, an experience that tested her strength but also revealed her unwavering resilience. Her life regained a renewed light in 1991 with the birth of her first grandchild. This joy only grew brighter with the arrival of four additional grandchildren and her great-grandson in 2024, who became the center of her world.

Linda’s greatest joy in life was her family. She poured her heart into caring for those she loved, and her home was always a welcoming place where warmth and comfort reigned. Linda was a talented cook and baker. Her traditional Sunday dinners were legendary, often prepared with such care and dedication that they could feed a crowd, even when it was just her family gathered around the table. Whether it was a holiday feast or an everyday meal, Linda’s cooking was infused with the same love and devotion she gave to every aspect of her life.

Linda's strength, humor, and boundless love will be missed by all who knew her. In honoring Linda’s memory, her family asks that we all strive to be as selfless, caring, and giving as she was, carrying forward her spirit in your own lives. Her love will continue to live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Robin Meyerkord Memorial Scholarship at Truman State University or to Memory Home Care Solutions (memorycarehs.org), a non-profit guiding families through the journey of Alzheimer’s with their loved ones.

Link to Robin Meyerkord Memorial Scholarship: https://advancement.truman.edu/portal/give_online?form_fund_name=320157%20-%20Robin%20Meyerkord%20Memorial%20Fund&form_additional_details=This%20gift%20is%20a%20tribute%20in%20honor%20of%20or%20memory%20of%20someone.&form_sys:gift:occasion%5e20=45f79447-bc83-4c92-bd7f-a0246b44543b&form_sys:gift:honoring%5e20=Linda%20Joyce%20Meyerkord

The family is being served by Pitman Funeral Home, Wentzville

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