Linda E. Hackett

Linda Hackett, age 78, of North Branch, Minnesota, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Sunday, May 25, 2025.

Born on January 2, 1947, in Beloit, Wisconsin, Linda was the daughter of Clarence and Edith (Mathewson) Heideman. She was a proud graduate of Beloit Memorial High School, Class of 1965, before continuing her education at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, and graduating from beautician school in Madison, Wisconsin. It was during beauty school, where there were many “Lindas,” that she adopted the name Heidi Heideman. At the age of 50, she graduated with a degree in marketing from Metro State University.

In 1967, Linda met the love of her life, William Hackett, when she gave him a ride home. Their connection was instant, and they were united in marriage on June 20, 1970, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Beloit, Wisconsin. Despite their differing religious backgrounds, with Linda being Lutheran and Bill Catholic, their ceremony uniquely featured both a Lutheran pastor and a Catholic priest.

Linda’s life with Bill took them on a journey through many cities in the Midwest, including Rochester, MN, Crystal, MN, Grand Forks, ND, New Brighton, MN, and Crystal Lake, IL. They retired to Chetek, Wisconsin where they spent 18 wonderful years. Linda along with Bill loved having family to their lake place, their door was always open. In 2021 they moved to North Branch, Minnesota. Of all the places they lived, Linda’s all-time favorite was (jokingly) Grand Forks, where the snowy winters and windblown drifts could reach the rooftops. Yet, she was always able to find warmth in her family, friends, and in the memories made.

Linda found her joy in the people she met, and after years in the frozen tundra, she and Bill sought out sunshine in Chandler, Arizona, where they created many treasured memories and lifelong friendships. Linda was a devoted wife and mom, always involved in the lives of her daughters, Cherice and Audra. She volunteered at every opportunity, from chaperoning field trips to leading class parties, and she became known as a committed and compassionate member of her community. Linda was also a passionate volunteer for Barron County Domestic Abuse Prevention and spent many years leading ministry in local jails, where she helped many find peace in Christ.

Linda was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church in North Branch, Minnesota, where she eagerly participated in Bible study and fellowship. She was an avid golfer and fisherman, loved spending summers on the lake, and enjoyed countless hours pontooning with loved ones. She enjoyed playing cards with friends, hosting dinners and looked forward to social hour with friends. Social by nature, Linda had a gift for making people feel welcomed—she could always be found seeking out the new person in a group, asking questions, and bringing them into the fold. In Arizona, she became a shuffleboard champion and started the Gutter Gang social hour in her Arizona neighborhood.

Linda is preceded in death by her father, Clarence Heideman, and her stepfather, Ralph Carlson. She leaves behind her beloved husband of 55 years, William Hackett; daughters, Cherice (Brad) Taylor and Audra (Matthew) Karnes; grandchildren, Jack, Anna, Jacob, and Andrew; her mother, Edith Carlson; as well as many extended family members and cherished friends.

Linda’s light, laughter, and love will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew her. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m, Monday, June 2, 2025 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 38460 Lincoln Trail, North Branch, Minnesota. The family will greet friends one hour prior to the service at the church. A luncheon will immediately follow. Memorials may be directed to t2t.org Floral orders may ordered from The Flower Shop Lindstrom, 651-257-1110 theflowershoplindstrom.com