Linda K. Pierce

God called Linda Kay Pierce, 68, of Mankato, KS, home on November 30th, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by her family who adored her.

Linda was born on May 19, 1957, in Beloit, KS, one of five children to Leo and Angeline (Streit) Eilert. Spirited and adventurous as a child, Linda’s resilience was evident early on—especially after the loss of her father at a young age. Linda naturally stepped into a caretaker role, selflessly supporting those around her with grit, grace and strength. Her caretaker role was a quality that defined her throughout her life.

She attended country school through 3rd grade before continuing her education in Mankato, where she graduated in 1975. In high school, Linda was active in cheerleading, volleyball, National Honor Society, and track, where she excelled as a sprinter and held the long jump record for several years. She was crowned Homecoming Queen alongside her brother Kenneth ("Rubber") as King. Yes, the traditional kiss was as awkward as it sounds.

Following graduation, she attended Cloud County Community College and earned a clerical degree. Linda later returned to Mankato, where she married Bradley Ost on August 27, 1977. Together, they raised two children, Ryan and Staci. Linda was an outstanding mother— loving, patient, and endlessly supportive. The family home was always spotless and smelled like vanilla. If you couldn’t find your homework, chances are she’d already thrown it away in the name of cleanliness.

Linda's nurturing spirit extended to all who knew her. If you so much as thought about being cold, she was already wrapping you in a blanket. She had an unstoppable urge to help people. Her “Eilert energy” was legendary—fast, relentless, heartfelt and slightly terrifying in the best way. She had a gift for making everything seem better, simply by being present.

Linda served her community for 37 years at the local dental office as a receptionist and dental assistant, all while laboring on the family farm. She was a force of nature, working tirelessly to fulfill any task from mending fences to bringing in the harvest. Later, she was employed at the Jewell County Hospital and Rural Health Clinic. All this, she did with that well-known, ever-persistent, captivating smile.

Through many losses and hardships, Linda kept her faith close. She knew grief well, but carried it with grace, allowing God to carry her when the weight grew heavy. Her strength was quiet but fierce.

Linda found joy in tending her flowers, but her greatest joy came from tending her grandchildren. “Grandma” — was a name she wore like a crown. Whether offering rides, meals, pristinely clean laundry, attending trap shooting competitions, advice, or even the occasional monkey videos, she adored her grandchildren and shared a unique, unconditional bond with each of them.

On May 20, 2016, Linda married Matthew Pierce in Mankato. They built a life together—riding motorcycles, traveling, tackling projects, and an open door policy that always welcomed grandchildren and friends alike.

Linda’s departure leaves a profound void in the lives of those who loved her. Yet we find peace in knowing that after a lifetime of caring for others, she is now resting in the tender care of the Lord.

Linda is loved and remembered by her husband Matthew Pierce of Mankato, daughter Staci Whelchel (Chris) and grandchildren, Lauren, Kale, Eli and Karlee of Mankato; daughter -in-law Darcy Reinke, (Jed) and grandson Caden Ost of York, NE; Her sister, Sue Doerr (Robert) of Green Valley, AZ; brother Fred and family of Mankato; brother Duane (Mary Ann) and family of Powhattan, KS; In-Laws Jeff & Erlina Pierce of Mankato; Susan Pierce of Narka, KS; Henry & Kim Pierce of Narka, KS; Gilly Reiter of Jewell, KS; Clifford & Beverly Pierce of Yukon, OK; Andrea & Thomas Held of Hermann, MO; Beth & Mike Svoboda of Narka, KS; as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

A beautiful reunion surely awaited her in Heaven. Beaming that signature smile, she entered a perfectly tidy, vanilla-scented room, prepared by her parents; her son, Ryan; Brad, father of Staci and Ryan; her brother Kenneth (“Rubber”); her mother and father-in-law Cecil & Peggy Pierce; in-laws Charlene & Wayne Snyder, brother-in-law Roger Reiter, and many more, now reunited in eternal peace.

Visitation will take place on Thursday, December 4th, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Melby Mortuary, 402 N. High Street, Mankato, KS. The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. A Celebration of Life service will be held Friday, December 5th, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at Evangelical Lutheran Church, 201 S. Center, Mankato, KS, with Pastor Dennis Beckmann officiating. Interment will follow at West Lutheran Cemetery. A meal and fellowship will follow the service. All are welcome to share stories and celebrate Linda’s life.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Rock Hills Athletic Department or Solomon Valley Transportation, in honor of Linda’s legacy of care and compassion and can be left in care of Melby Mortuary, P.O. Box 384, Mankato, KS 66956.