Linda J Stauffacher

Linda Jane Stauffacher, 84, of Sun Prairie, died on Saturday, July 5, 2025 under hospice care, after a long, brave struggle with dementia. She was born on March 24, 1941 in Madison, Wisconsin to Clarence and Iris Grundahl. Linda graduated from Monroe High School and earned her Bachelor’s degree in music from St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN. She married Ralph Stauffacher on August 17, 1963.

Music was Linda’s passion throughout her life. It was what gave her joy. She was a private piano teacher for 42 years, mentoring many students with her knowledge, talent, and love of music. She taught elementary music for 22 years in Indiana and then in the Madison School system. Her greatest gifts of music were shared with the many members of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, where she served as music director for 35 years. Linda shared all of her talents of directing, singing, and playing many different instruments to add to the experience of those participating in and attending the worship service. She played the piano, organ, harpsichord, guitar, and recorders. She directed all ages of musicians. Some of her favorite events were the musicals put on by the youth and the annual “Christmas by Candlelight” program which featured a variety of soloists, choirs, and instrumentalists.

Linda had a heart for service which showed through the many volunteer organizations that she enjoyed being a part of. As a member of the Our Savior’s quilting group, she loved helping create quilts for Lutheran World Relief. She spent hours piecing together quilt tops that she would then help tie and send around the world to people in need. Linda tutored in Elementary schools, reading with children on a weekly basis to help them become stronger readers. For many years, she would visit nursing homes in the area to play and sing the “oldies” that the residents enjoyed singing along with. She was a very kind person who touched many lives through her generous and giving spirit.

Gardening, working in her flower beds, sitting on her porch, making quilts, reading a good book, and walking the beach on Sanibel Island, FL were things that gave Linda joy. She and Ralph spent many fun times at Pine Haven, their cottage on Kusel Lake in Waushara County, Wisconsin. While there, she loved to be in her yellow kayak and take walks down the lane. Being with family and friends was very important to her. Sharing life with her children and her grandchildren gave her so much pleasure. She loved to read books and play music with her grandkids. Being a member of the Elizabeth Bible study at our Savior’s Lutheran church for many years was also an important part of her life. Linda and Ralph were fortunate to take many special trips together and traveled to Europe, Costa Rica, and throughout the United States.

Linda is survived by her husband, Ralph Stauffacher of Sun Prairie; her children: Kristen (Daniel) Novitch of Cable, WI and Kurt (Kristi) Stauffacher of Sacramento, CA; her grandchildren: Jacob Novitch and Caleb Novitch, both of Merrill, WI and Madeline Stauffacher, Sacramento, CA; her siblings: Susan (Randy) Torgerson, Alexandria, VA and Steve (Nancy) Grundahl, Minneapolis, MN and sister-in-law, MaryAnn Stauffacher, Monroe, WI. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Iris Grundahl, brother-in-law, Roger Stauffacher, aunts, uncles and several cousins.

Memorial donations can be given to the Alzheimer’s Foundation.

The family wishes to thank the amazingly supportive and compassionate staff at Senior Helpers of Madison, Hyland Park and Hyland Crossings in Sun Prairie, and Rainbow Hospice Care. Your dedication to supporting Linda through her final journey home is to be commended and is deeply appreciated.

A funeral service for Linda will be held on Saturday, July 19, 2025 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 550 Lincoln Drive, Sun Prairie. Visitation will be held at the church starting at 9:00 and continuing until the funeral service at 11:00. Lunch will follow in the church basement. A burial will take place at Highland Memory Gardens on Monday, July 21, 2025 at 9AM. Guests may attend the service virtually at https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=85814e00-9085-41d9-8442-848f3b94360e

Cress Funeral Home of Sun Prairie is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are encouraged and may be made to www.cressfuneralservice.com

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

1310 Emerald Terrace, Sun Prairie

(608) 837-9054