Linda Ann Damos
Linda Ann Damos , Age 71
Linda Larson Damos, 71, of Merrimac, passed away on June 23, 2020, after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease and metastatic cancer.
Linda was born at Freeport Memorial Hospital in Freeport, Illinois, to Menten and Kathryn Larson on August 14, 1948. She grew up on a farm in Pecatonica, Illinois, and graduated valedictorian from Pecatonica High School in 1966. Upon graduation, Linda attended the University of Illinois in Urbana on a General Motors scholarship. She graduated with honors in 1970 with a degree in Chemistry while also playing clarinet in the Illini band. She married James Damos upon graduation from college on August 22, 1970.
Linda was a devoted spouse, mother, grandmother, big sister, neighbor, and friend. She was also a master gardener, book club member, volunteer, church committee member, bird watcher, hiker, kayaker, downhill skier, vacation planner, and environmentalist who loved the outdoors. She especially enjoyed Devil's Lake State Park and the Colorado Rockies. Linda was a very social, kind person who appreciated all things simple, natural, and wholesome. Her approach to life was positive. Her family will always remember summer vacations, Badger basketball games, and those warm buttered Christmas morning cinnamon rolls, a family tradition.
Her professional work included several positions in scientific research in biochemistry at the St. Louis University School of Medicine and Michigan State University. Her income assisted her husband through his physician training. Years later, when the family located in Wisconsin, she worked at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Environmental Toxicology Department, studying the effects of toxins on fish in Lake Michigan. In 1997, Linda shifted careers and obtained a masters degree in Public Policy and Public Administration from the University of Wisconsin-Madison LaFollette Institute with an emphasis on healthcare. She later became the Education Coordinator of the University of Wisconsin-Baraboo Rural Physician Training Program. Her duties included helping interns and residents with their curriculum assignments and helping to keep the education program in compliance with the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education.
Linda was known for her youthful look and radiant smile. She and her husband would have been married 50 years this August. Her husband, Dr. James Damos, her daughter Jennifer Caspersen, her two grandchildren Kyan James and Aleyna Linn Caspersen, her son Timothy (fiance Leia Jordan) and her four siblings Larry, Dave, and Tom Larson and Margaret Larson Schulze all survive her. They will dearly miss Lindas kind demeanor, calmness, honesty, dependability, and trusting nature.
The family would like to thank Dr. James Mathers and the clinic and hospital staff with SSM-Baraboo and St. Clare Hospital for their competent, compassionate care. The team at Brightstar-Baraboo deserves special credit for helping Linda to remain home late into her disease. Pastor Doug Fauth and the church members of the United Church of Christ-Baraboo were very supportive, as was the caregiver support group organized by Mary Larson through the church. Parish nurse Geri Schoenoff's skill with dementia and her kindness as a nurse was invaluable to Lindas care and support of the family. A special thank you goes out to the staff at Agrace Hospice. Agrace nurse Kevin Klingenmeyer was so helpful with his weekly home visits, and the team at the inpatient Agrace hospice house was superb. The physicians and staff from the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Wisconsin-Madison were exceptional in their loyal support of the family. The multiple home and hospice center visits from former UW-Madison faculty physician colleagues and staff throughout Lindas illness were very much appreciated. Finally, the compassionate care of our Eagle Point subdivision neighbors in Merrimac, Wisconsin, as well as our many friends and extended family members, was a treasured gift.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there will be a private family funeral at the United Church of Christ on Saturday, June 27, 2020 in Baraboo with Pastor Doug Fauth officiating. You can view the recording of the service using the following link:https://youtu.be/88rDR5qpz3g In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Alzheimers Association or the American Cancer Society.
Condolences
Carl and Barb Alexander June 25, 2020
member of same church Baraboo , Wisconsin
I knew Linda from serving on a Board at the First Congregational Church, she very dedicated person and kind, I felt so bad when they said she Alzheimer, my father-in-law had Alzheimer so I know what a family goes through, what makes it so difficult was the age she got It
Keri Olson June 25, 2020
Friend Baraboo , Wisconsin
Dear Jim, Tim, Jenny and family, Our hearts go out to you during this sad time. Linda was such a bright light in every way. I so enjoyed my many conversations with her throughout the years. We are so very sorry that her last years had to be so difficult for her and for each of you. May Linda be at peace and may all of you find peace, as well, as you are surrounded by the caring of others, lifted by a bounty of happy memories, and healed by the love you have for each other. With our deepest sympathies, Larry McCoy and Keri Olson
Beverly L Hoege June 25, 2020
Long ago friend/husbands MD Reedsburg , Wisconsin
Jim and family, My sincere sympathy to you and your family. I always remember Linda's pleasant kindness while you all were in Reedsburg and am so grateful for the kind care you all, with your support system, provided LInda during this time. My heart goes to you all during this time of grieving and sorrow. My thoughts and prayers surround all of you. Blessings to you. Now take time to care for yourselves and heal your hearts. Peace and comfort. Beverly Hoege
Sonia Carter June 25, 2020
Friend Baraboo , Wisconsin
I am so sorry for your loss. She was an amazing lady. Cherish the memories Sending hugs a d prayers
Ann Dettwiler June 26, 2020
Friend Mount Horeb
Jim, Jenny and Tim, Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. I am so very sorry for your deep loss. Her gentleness and love will always be with you...in your heart. May God give you courage and strength and peace.
Dale Emery June 26, 2020
Former nurse at RAMC Reedsburg , Wisconsin
My sincere sympathy to Dr. James Damos and family in your loss.
Fred (Corky) Williams June 26, 2020
Friend St Augustine
Dr. Damos & family: As Robert Williams’ son I send his and mine heartfelt sympathy for your loss. I did not know her personally but I was acquainted with the good Dr through my parents. Peace be with your family Dr. Damos. Fred Williams
Jennifer Myszkowski June 26, 2020
Coworker Richland Center , Wisconsin
Hello Jim and Linda’s family, I worked with Linda as an undergraduate in Dick Peterson’s lab from 1990-1992. She was the kindest, most thoughtful, and supportive coworker I have ever had. (Even more then my medical mentors). I was happy to read about all her successes after working in the lab. I am so sorry for your loss. I was blessed to know her briefly. I hope your memories will sustain you during your time of grief. Sincerely, Jenny (Wahoske) MyszkowskI
Michael Schonfeld June 26, 2020
friends Reedsburg , Wisconsin
We have very fond memories of Linda, all your family, and you. May God bless Linda, you, and your family. From the Schonfeld Family, Lucy,Mike, Darcy, Sally, and Paul. We will send a donation to the Alzheimer's Association in her memory and with love from all of us. Mike
Julie (Arndt) Rogers June 26, 2020
Acquaintance Prairie du Sac
Jim, Jenny and Tim, I am so sorry to learn about Linda’s passing! I will always remember her kindness to me as I would come to your home to teach Jenny in kindergarten.
Bob Moore June 27, 2020
former co-worker Madison , Wisconsin
I knew Linda when she was a technician in Paul Kindel's lab at MSU, a technician in Dick Peterson's lab at UW-Madison, and Research Program Manager for the Environmental Health Sciences Center for Developmental and Molecular Toxicology at UW-Madison. Linda was an excellent colleague, a wonderful friend, and a truly beautiful person in every way. Deepest condolences to all who had the good fortune to know her.
Larry and Deborah Owens June 27, 2020
friends Merrimac, Wi 53561 , Wisconsin
Hello Jim. Larry and I want to send you and your family our deepest condolences to you for loosing such a wonderful woman, the love of your life at such a young age. We never really had the pleasure of knowing her when she was well, but we know that Linda was a great friend, wife mother and loved life to the fullest. Seeing her for the short time we have lived here in Eagle Point, I was so glad to have known her and visited with you both. She always had a beautiful smile whenever I would come to sit down and visit with you both. I was touched just by the way she would take hold of my hand and hold it without letting go! I knew she was my friend. Linda touched so many lives throughout the years and she will always be remembered by more people than we possibly can imagine. Linda is no longer in pain but is now at peace. Though she is not with us in our world, she will always be with us in spirit. and to prove that, all I need to do is just look at all the beautiful plants and flowers in her garden home, her wonderful husband her children and grandchildren and I see her face every day. We send our love
Mary & Jim Clay June 27, 2020
friend Reedsburg , Wisconsin
We are so sorry for your loss. Linda was an incredible person and we feel honored to have known her. She is at peace now.
Brad and Christina Hook June 29, 2020
Coworker Fitchburg , Wisconsin
We were so sad to hear of Linda’s passing. She was a calming presence and a guiding light for me during my residency while she was working as a residency coordinator. She was like our “residency momâ€. I was grateful for how comfortable she tried to make us feel. I am so sorry to Jim and the kids—the loss is so real. Our prayers are with you.
alice lawrence June 30, 2020
Rn Wisconsin Dells , Wisconsin
So sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Danny and Midge
Brian Lochen July 09, 2020
Friend and colleague Madison , Wisconsin
Jim, Tim and Jenny, I am so sorry for your loss of Linda, who I remember as kind and always smiling, Jim, you and I had some unforgettable experiences in the Reedsburg ER and in Haiti. You are one of the finest physicians I have ever known. And I know that Linda was there supporting you every step of the way, from Reedsburg, to UW Department of Family Medicine, to Baraboo. I hope that your sweet memories of your dear bride will give you some comfort, my friend. Brian