Linda M Dehnert

Linda Marie Dehnert (lovingly known as “Mimi,” “Grandma Linda, “Mom”), 76, passed away Tuesday, April 22nd surrounded by family, music and memories. She took her last breaths with her daughter, Lisa, beside her. Linda is survived by her first husband, Robert Labuda and their biological children: Lisa Estes and Robert Labuda Jr. She is also survived by the large family that she and her soulmate, Donald Dehnert, formed many years ago, including Mike (Cindy) Dehnert, Cheryl (Dave) Louttit, Lorraine (Vincent) Frammartino, and Mark (Lori) Dehnert.

Linda also has many adoring grandchildren to continue her legacy: Lauren Estes, Emma Estes, Elizabeth Labuda, Owen Labuda, Tasha Stahura, Ashley Miller, Lauren Dehnert, Taylor Spence, Vince Jr. Frammartino, Logan Louttit, Kristina Coy, AJ Dehnert, and Eli Dehnert. She was predeceased in death by her loving parents, John and Elizabeth Wojtanowski, brother, John (Bill) Wojtanowski, soulmate and husband Donald Dehnert, stepdaughter Patty Hileman, step granddaughter Gayle Hileman and grandson, Ian Labuda.

Linda was born on May 11, 1948 in Blue Island, Illinois. She grew up with her parents and brother in Harvey, Illinois and attended Thornton High School.

Linda met her first husband, Robert, in high school, and had many fun memories with their friends from Northern Illinois University and Harvey. They got married shortly after graduating and not soon after found out they were expecting their first child, Lisa Labuda. With the luck of the Irish, Robert Labuda was then expected not even a full year after Lisa’s birth. Linda lived in Oak Forest for 20 years and enjoyed spending time with all her neighbors and their families. She was known to get quite feisty on the baseball field when watching her son’s games.

Linda met the love of her life, Donald Dehnert, in 1982. They were soon married and spent nearly every weekend in New Buffalo, Michigan. The cottage was their favorite getaway where they could golf, spend time at the beach, watch hummingbirds from the porch and dance the night away.

Linda spent her working years as a loyal employee at TruGreen. She always enjoyed going into work and spending time with coworkers, until they banned cigarette smoking within the workplace.

After retiring from TruGreen, Linda became a full-time Mimi for her grandchildren and volunteered at Silver Cross Hospital in the gift shop every week until her health was compromised. She may have lost the mobility she once had, but still thoroughly enjoyed loving on her sweet puppy, Izzy, and playing cards with her friends in the neighborhood.

Linda was an extremely devoted, loving, caring, and one-of-a-kind grandma. She was present at baseball games, swim meets, concerts and school events. She turned the smallest moments into magic for her grandkids, instilling in them how important and meaningful traditions and quality time can be. We can only hope to emulate her example with our families in the future.