Linda Sue (Clemens) Hotger, 82, of rural Kellogg, died Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024, at Unity Point Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines. A funeral service was held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 7, at Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Kellogg Fire and Ambulance or Pink Ribbon Support Group may be left at the funeral home.
Linda, the daughter of Ronald and Bessie (Davis) Clemens, was born Oct. 27, 1942, in Newton. She lived in Marshalltown as a young child before she and her mother moved back to Newton to live with her grandparents. She attended school in Newton and graduated from Newton High School in 1960. Linda was united in marriage with Bill Hotger on Nov. 25, 1972, in Newton. They made their home on the Hotger family farm in rural Kellogg. Linda worked at JC Penney in Newton and then at First Newton National Bank. After Linda and Bill were blessed with their daughter, Christy, she returned to the bank for a short time before becoming a stay-at-home mom and farmer’s wife.
Linda was a member of the Skiff Auxiliary and St. Luke United Methodist Church, and had volunteered countless hours at Kellogg Elementary School. She also served as the Township Clerk for over 35 years for the Kellogg Township. Linda was a founding member of the local Pink Ribbon Support Group, volunteering, educating, and supporting numerous area residents in their fight and recovery with cancer. She enjoyed reading, puzzles, photography, stamping, and playing piano. Linda was an avid flower and vegetable gardener. She raised beautiful hybrid irises and spent hours canning the crops of her garden.
Linda is survived by her daughter Christy (Michael) Lester of rural Kellogg; her grandson Benjamin Lester; and her cousins: Denny Bunker, Karen (Dale) Dorrell, Bruce (Jane) Keith, Sharon (Marlin) Browne, Dan (Irene) Davis, Dean Stickler, Cathy Brain Crady, Joyce (Gary) Bagnall, David (Marlene) Auten, and Jeff (Robin) Brain. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Bill, and a grandson Owen Lester.
