Linda Riethmann

Linda S. Riethmann, nee Wheeler, 76, of Fairview Heights, IL, born Tuesday, March 8, 1949, in East St. Louis, IL, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at her home in Fairview Heights IL following a hard fought, courageous battle with cancer.

Before retiring, Linda worked for over 20 years as a Billing Coordinator for Donovan Rose Nester, P.C. Her favorite thing was spending time with her family and friends laughing and playing games. Nothing made her happier than her grandchildren-she didn’t miss a tennis match or a concert. She looked forward to going to Destin every summer with her family and especially liked riding on the pontoon boat. She and Gus frequented music festivals where they made lifelong friends. Linda was an amazing cook and baker and loved making cookies, cakes, pies, and treats to share with others. She loved watching birds on the back porch while beating Gus at a game of gin. She had a sense of humor and spunk that made everyone want to be around her and she never knew a stranger. Linda had a way of making everyone feel seen and loved in a way that is rare and precious. She made a lasting impression on all who knew her as evidenced by her many valued friends.

She was preceded in death by her:

• Parents, Carl and Aurelia, nee Hughes, Wheeler
• Parents-in-law August Sr. and Mildred, nee Hlavek, Riethmann
• Brother, Gerald Wheeler
• Sister-in-law, Harriet Wheeler

Surviving are her:

• Husband of 54 years, August Riethmann Jr. of Fairview Heights, IL
• Daughter, Susan (Robert) Brandon of O’Fallon, IL
• Grandchildren:
  • Caleb Brandon
  • Avery Brandon
• Brother, Michael Wheeler of Chicago, IL
• Sister, Darla Jean (Matt) Reynolds of Belleville, IL
• Nephews:
  • Scot (Ako) Wheeler
  • Ross (Elizabeth) Wheeler
  • Jeremy Reynolds
  • Joe Reynolds
• Numerous loving family and close friends.

Memorials:Memorials may be made to ThyCa (Thyroid Cancer Survivors Association) to help advance research in Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer (ATC). https://civi.thyca.org/donate

Visitation:Visitation from 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm, Tuesday, September 16, 2025 at Kurrus Funeral Home in Belleville, Illinois.

Services:Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 am, , September 17, 2025 at Kurrus Funeral Home, with her cousin, Shawn Hughes, officiating. Interment will follow at Lake View Memorial Gardens, Fairview Heights, IL.