Linda Marie Gildemeister

Linda Marie Gildemeister, 77, of Clearwater, Florida, passed away peacefully on June 14, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. A woman of warmth, wisdom, and unwavering compassion, Linda touched countless lives as a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, friend, and devoted educator.

Born on September 20, 1947, in LaGrange, Illinois, Linda was the daughter of the late Mildred (née Harris) and Arthur Ohnesorge. She pursued her lifelong passion for teaching at the University of Iowa, where she earned her bachelor's degree in education and was a proud member of the Delta Zeta sorority. It was there that her dedication to service and leadership began to take root.

Linda’s teaching career spanned decades and shaped generations. As a kindergarten teacher at Cypress Woods Elementary and Curlew Creek Elementary in Pinellas County, she brought joy, structure, and care to the lives of her young students. Her outstanding dedication to the classroom was honored in 1998 when she was runner up for the Pinellas County Teacher of the Year—a recognition that only scratched the surface of the impact she had on her community. Linda finished her remarkable career as a gifted teacher, continuing to inspire and challenge students with her passion and expertise.

Beyond the classroom, Linda was a woman of many passions. She found joy in cooking hearty meals for loved ones and could often be found with a book in hand, her love of reading as strong as her love of teaching it. She also gave her time generously as a former member of the Junior League in Iowa and as a Union Representative for the Pinellas County School Board, always advocating for fairness and the well-being of her colleagues and students. Linda especially cherished time spent with friends, often playing Bunco and sharing laughter over friendly competition.

Linda was deeply rooted in her faith and was an active member of both First Christian Church and Harborside Community Church in Clearwater. Her faith guided her actions and brought comfort and strength throughout her life.

She leaves behind a legacy of love and resilience in her children, Adam (Leslie) Gildemeister and Molly (Chris) Sorensen; her cherished sister, Pamela Hoffmann; and her adored grandchildren: Katie, Ansley, Annabelle, Tommy, Grant, and Olivia. She also leaves many extended family members, friends, and former students who will forever carry her memory in their hearts.

Linda was preceded in death by her beloved parents Mildred and Arthur Ohnesorge.

A celebration of Linda’s remarkable life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the NEA Foundation, in honor of her lifelong commitment to education and community.

Though Linda has departed this world, the values she lived by—kindness, perseverance, faith, and a deep love for others—will live on through all those she inspired.