Linda J. Meester

Linda J. Meester, age 65 of Cozad, passed away August 10, 2013 at Bryan LGH East in Lincoln. Linda was born July 7, 1948 at Gothenburg, Nebraska to Harvey “Gene” and Evelyn (Maret) Walter. She attended Cozad Public Schools. On March 21, 1964, she married Larry L. Meester. In 1965, the couple moved to Cozad, where they raised their 3 children. For over 30 years, Linda made cakes for special occasions like graduations, weddings, etc. Linda had also worked as a Med Aide at Parkview Villa in Gothenburg for many years. Linda loved to cook; and when family came for a visit, one could usually find Linda in the kitchen, whipping up the family favorites. She made nearly everything from scratch, and many of the elements of her dishes came right out of her garden. She always made sure that everyone was well fed. Her creativity was not exclusive to the kitchen, as she was also an excellent crafter. From sewing to making decorative cabinetry out of barn wood, Linda was always coming up with creative ways to use things that might have otherwise gone to waste. Linda was a helper, and perpetually put others needs in front of her own. Linda always took pride in being a bargain hunter. She had shopping down to a science, often knowing what was going to go on sale before it ever made the advertisements. Just like any proud grandma, she cherished the time she spent with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She loved playing cards and Scrabble, along with watching car and horse races. Linda got so enthralled in the races that her family and friends often knew better than to call her on the day of a race. Survivors include her son, Wyatt (Sandy) Meester of Cozad: two daughters, Becky Brooks and friend, Kevin James of North Platte, Nebraska and Heidi DeHarty Grand Island; 10 grandchildren, Nathaniel, Jessica, Kali, Raven, Sky, Sarah, Sonja, Donnie, Andrea and Draphus, Jr; 4 great grandchildren, Carson, Quinton, Maddison and Rayne; brother, Harvey (Cindy) Walter of Cozad; special cousin, Connie Willets of Cozad; brother in law, Robert (Priscilla) Meester of Lexington; two sisters in law, Shirley (Ed) Claflin of Gothenburg and Bonnie (Clifford) Wedemeyer of Cheyenne, Wyoming; and many other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Larry in 2006; parents; special mother-in-law, Hannah Meester; 2 brothers in law, Terry and Ron; and a sister in law, Betty. A memorial has been established in her memory. Condolences may be shared at berrymanfuneralhome.com Services will be held on Thursday, August 15, 2013 at 10:30 a.m at the Berryman Funeral Home Chapel in Cozad with Pastor Jeremy Jech officiating. Burial will be in Fort McPherson National Cemetery at Maxwell. Visitation will be on Wednesday, from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Berryman Funeral Home in Cozad. Berryman Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.