Linda Sue Gerstbrein, 86, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 2, 2025, at The Bird House, Hospice Home of Johnson County.

Linda was born on March 24, 1939, in Memphis, Texas, the daughter of Ernest Hamilton and Opal Jeffers. She proudly served her country in the United States Navy, where she was stationed at Bethesda Naval Hospital. It was there that she met and married John “Jack” Gerstbrein, in the hospital chapel.

In 1970, Linda and Jack moved to Durham, North Carolina, as Jack pursued further education. The couple eventually settled in Iowa, living in Iowa City and Nichols before making their home in West Liberty in 1986.

Linda had been employed with Digital Sports Systems and Louis Rich. Later in life, she earned her nursing degree from Scott/Muscatine Community College. She enjoyed caring for others as a nurse at Cookson Retirement Home in West Branch and Simpson Memorial Home in West Liberty, where she worked until her retirement.

She enjoyed cooking, flower gardening, bird watching, reading, crafts, and spending time with her pets.

She is survived by her five children: Michael (Shannon) of Iowa City; John of West Liberty; James (Jean) of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin; Christopher (Annie) of Atalissa; and Jeffrey (Renee) of Mountlake Terrace, Washington. Also surviving are three grandchildren: Nick, Marissa, and Tyler; two great-grandchildren: Luke and Jacob; her sister, Helen Keller of Soulsbyville, California; and her beloved dog, Sophie.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Jack in 2015, and her brother Virgil.

It was Linda’s wishes that no public services be held.