Linda Kay (Pickert) Hopfinger

Her three daughters describe her as their greatest role model, a teacher to all in both word and deed with an unstoppable faith they now possess, thanks to her. Her friends, of which there are way too many to count, know the depth of her dedication to them. Her brothers and sisters have lived their lives witnessing the compassion of a sibling force of nature. Her husband, even after her passing, continues to be amazed by her endless love, strength and faith. While all of them acknowledge the disease which took her too soon, ALS is now but a fleeting memory because of the amazing life of this spitfire of a woman that now shines as a beacon from heaven.

Linda Kay (Pickert) Hopfinger quietly passed away the morning of November 8th, 2021 in her home. Born December 26, 1966 in Kansas City, Missouri. She was the third of six children of the late Carl and Marion Pickert. Linda is survived by her husband Steve, daughters Madison, Paige and Abigail, and five siblings Carolyn (Vern) Maier, David (Cathy) Pickert, Gary Pickert, Lisa (Scott) Loewen and Steven Pickert. Those who knew her would have a hard time naming another with a greater love for life or faith in God. Madison, Paige and Abbey know her as their first and greatest teacher. A true disciple of God, Linda dedicated her bottomless energy to her girls and her husband. As a dedicated Kindergarten teacher of more than two decades, each student remembers her as their favorite and themselves as the most special one in the class. This is especially true for the most challenging students who she embraced with both instruction and love.

Maddie, Paige and Abbey describe their mother as the most caring, generous person they ever met; an inspiration to all, compassionate and harboring no animosity toward others. “She was always the strongest person out there, never complaining”, they said, “a teacher in the truest sense.” It was this dedication to others that led Paige to the same vocation, now a third grade teacher. This amazing mother also encouraged her daughters to have fun in life. The girls and their friends can still recount the time she offered to accompany them ding-dong ditching or teepeeing the home of their friends (unless it was going to rain).

Linda’s friends were friends for life. From her sisters of K-State’s Chi Omega sorority to neighbors, co-workers, church members and family members, who in number lined up to serve her in her time of need. This army of volunteers brought an endless bounty of meals, flowers, support and prayers emulating what they had learned from her. All of them understand she is now in God’s hands and are comforted knowing in heaven that the same energy will be devoted to watching over them and all those in need.

A Visitation and Rosary will be held at 6:30 pm Friday, November 12 and a Funeral at 10:00 am Saturday, November 13 at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church at 14251 Nall Avenue, Leawood, Kansas where Steve and Linda were founding members. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Hope and Love of the Laity Fund, P.O. Box 236, Garnett, KS 66032.