Linda Lou Ahrenholtz was born on January 10, 1944, to Gaylord and Loretta (Abel) Doonan at Cass County Memorial Hospital in Atlantic, Iowa. She was baptized and confirmed at Monroe Chapel United Methodist Church near Walnut, Iowa. She attended Monroe Township #1 and graduated from Harlan High School in 1962. Linda continued her education at the University of Nebraska Nursing School in Omaha, Nebraska and became a registered nurse.

       On February 26, 1966, she was united in marriage to Daniel Ahrenholtz at the First United Methodist Church in Harlan, IA. Three daughters were born to this union: Danielle, Beth, and Holly. Linda was employed by the Manilla Manor as the Director of Nurses for 13 years. Following that she was employed by WIC (Women, Infants and Children) as Program Director at West Central Development in Harlan, IA where she retired February 1, 2005.

     Linda was a woman of many interests and talents. She was a member of the Methodist church. She enjoyed sewing, cross-stitching and crochet. She followed in her father's footsteps with the love of fishing. She enjoyed watching sports. Linda had no greater joy than to be with her family, especially her grandchildren. She had a great sense of humor and loved to laugh. She had a very strong will that helped her to fight 15 years of breast cancer with a positive attitude. She was admired by most and was an encouraging example to many. She enjoyed being a volunteer with the American Cancer Society. She will be missed by all.

      "In order for cancer to win it would have to be able to follow me beyond the grave, and it can't. Because while I have cancer; cancer does not have me! The disease can take my cells, but it cannot take my self. Cancer can have my hair but it cannot have my heart. And it may be able to claim my breast, but it can NEVER claim my spirit!" -Nicole Johnson, Women of Faith.

       Linda moved to Urbandale, IA in November of 2005 to be closer to her family. She enjoyed being able to see her grandchildren frequently and participate in their activities. The last 5 weeks of her life she spent at the Mercy Hospice Johnston. She made many friends with the nurses and staff. She kept them laughing. Her smile was contagious to the end. Linda died on January 9, 2007, one day before her sixty-third birthday. Linda was preceded in death by her father, Gaylord and her brother, Jamie.

       Survivors include her daughters Danielle and her husband Jeff Johnson of Johnston, Iowa, Beth and her husband Jason Walker of Des Moines, Iowa, and Holly Ahrenholtz of Denver, Colorado; eight grandchildren: Meredith, Noah, Hannah, Emmett Johnson, Cole, Owen, Evan Walker, and Tyler Peterson; her companion Wayne Sahl of Denison, IA; her mother Loretta and her husband Arnold Petersen of Elk Horn, Iowa; three sisters: Jane and her husband Dean Fabian of Elk Horn, Iowa, Denise and her husband Dennis Juhl of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Ann and her husband Chuck Wolken of Harlan, Iowa; other relatives and many friends.

       A Celebration of Life service was held on Friday, January 12, 2007 at the First United Methodist Church in Harlan, Iowa, with Rev. Dave Swinton officiating the 11:00 AM service. Serving as casket bearers were Lucas Wolken, Branden Doonan, Brad Fabian, Michael Juhl, David Juhl, and Jeremy Juhl. Interment was at the Harlan Cemetery.

Marijean Ahrenholtz - Age 63