Obituary of Linda Leonette Gier

Linda Leonette Gier of Grand Rapids, Minnesota passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on April 6, 2017. Linda was born in California, June 6th, 1947 to Hank and Leonette (Vickery) Gier. The Gier family moved to Chicago, Illinois, where Linda attend St Patrick’s Academy and found her love for the Chicago Cubs. Her life’s work involved always caring for others; first, by fostering over 40 children in Grand Rapids, Mn and San Bernardino , Ca and later by advocating for AIDS patients as a public health social worker in San Bernardino, Ca. At retirement, Linda made her home in Grand Rapids, Minnesota where she continued her passion for genealogy and photography, connecting with friends & family and following the Cubs to win the World Series. Linda was preceded in death by her father Hank, mother Leonette, and brother Roger. Linda is survived by her daughter, Dawn Manthey (Bob Watroba) of Lakeville Mn, and granddaughter Ashley Lusk of Minnesota, niece Terri (John) Goss of Ohio and nephew Scott (Cathy) Gier of California, as well as many very close friends that she considered family. Special acknowledgement to Karen (Fritz) Gray, Godson David Calderone, Carol (Bob) Marcella, The Spitzak- Ramey family, the family of Sharon Varin, fostered children Missy, Char, & Tamar and Lindas "work-family" at San Bernardino Public Health AIDS program Per Linda’s request, a Celebration of Life will be held in Grand Rapids on June 3rd, 2017. Details to follow. Memorials to your local AIDS programs and planting of birch trees in Linda's honor appreciated.