Linda Lou Wiersma, 76, of Springfield, Ill., formerly of Gillespie, died Dec. 15, 2022, at her residence. She was born on June 26, 1946, in Litchfield, the daughter of the late Martin and Gweneth (Jones) Molinar. She married John Clifford Wiersma on March 22, 1974, in Fort Smith, Ark., and he preceded her in death.

She was a graduate of Gillespie High School and received a bachelor’s degree from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. She made her career as an educator beginning in the public school system then working until her retirement from Lincoln Land Community College.

She is survived by two sons, Andy Wiersma and Tony (Amy) Wiersma; sister, Jeannie (Joseph) Chiarodo; sister-in-law, Joyce (Bob) Wiersma Fernandes; two grandsons, Riley Wiersma and Cameron Wiersma; two granddaughters, Hannah (David) Johnson and Kirstin McGee (fiancé Alec); several great-grandchildren; a niece and nephew; several great-nieces and great-nephews; and a great-great-nephew.

Funeral services were held Monday, Dec. 19, at Kravanya Funeral Home in Gillespie.

Memorials are suggested to the John Wiersma Memorial Scholarship (Lincoln Land Community College) and The Partnership for Education Excellence District 7. Condolences may be left online at http://www.kravanyafuneral.com.