Linda M. Vis

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LINDA MAE VIS was born on November 22, 1954 in Hawarden, Iowa to Peter and Nellie (Van Hemert) Van Santen. She was baptized at Hawarden Christian Reformed Church and spent her early years there before her family moved to a farm near Lake Park, Iowa. Linda shared her early years with 10 siblings as they worked together on the dairy. Linda attended Ocheyedan Christian grade school and Western Christian High School until her family moved once more to a dairy farm north of Luverne, Minnesota in 1968. Linda graduated from Southwest Christian High School in Edgerton, Minnesota in 1972. On May 31, 1974 Linda married Myron (Mike) Vis in Leota, Minnesota. They made their home in Leota for a short time before moving into Luverne in 1980. They were blessed with four boys, who were their greatest joy. The family stayed in town for 10 years until moving to an acreage west of Luverne in 1990. After her marriage to Mike ended in 2001, Linda moved to Brandon, South Dakota where she began her career in real estate. In 2003, she met Jim Feauto, affectionately known to her grandchildren as “Pony”. Jim often referred to Linda as his ‘Little Dutch Girl’, and they began an amazing relationship that brought love, laughter, and adventure into her life. Linda found her perfect ‘garden’ home and moved to Sioux Falls, South Dakota in 2012 where she lived until she entered the Dougherty Hospice House on December 29, 2020.

Linda was a member of the Shalom Christian Reformed Church in Sioux Falls at the time of her death and was greatly blessed by the support of her church family. She was a beautiful, quick witted and generous woman. She was fashionable and confident. She made many friends throughout her life no matter where she was or what she did. Growing up working on a farm she learned the value of hard work and never shied away from a challenge. Linda was committed to having her boys receive a Christ-centered education, which meant she worked jobs ranging from the Mink Ranch, to selling jewelry at the Diamond Center. She would raise calves while also working as a teller at Minnwest Bank. She worked for several years at Southwest Minnesota Mental Health before finding her true passion in real estate later in life.

Linda gained hundreds of life-long clients and friends in her successful real estate business. Linda excelled at building relationships and her sense of humor resulted in all kinds of hijinks and pranks. Linda loved to laugh, especially after pulling off a joke at the office, a birthday party or one of her many camping weekends. She was always up for a great game of Scrabble, and she never played to lose! She
loved working in the dirt with gardens of flowers and vegetables, just like her mom did. That dirt did not find its way into her house though, as she kept a spotless house (not an easy feat with four boys)! She loved to cook big Sunday dinners, while watching and feeding birds outside of her backyard window. Many of Linda’s fondest memories are of “Sisters Day” with her ‘sissies’ and beloved mother, Nellie. Later in life, Linda and Jim enjoyed many adventures including trips to Wyoming, Colorado, Texas, Montana, and several long road trips delivering fire trucks. She enjoyed family gatherings and there are fond memories of cabin rentals, boating excursions and Christmas by the ocean with her children and grandkids. These are some of the memories that will continue to bless her family forever. In June of 2018, Linda was diagnosed with ovarian cancer which she fought vehemently for two and a half years. Jim was Linda’s rock during her brave cancer journey and his undying devotion brought the family great comfort. Linda passed away peacefully on January 26, 2021 at the age of 66 years, 2 months and 4 days with Jim by her side, as always.

Blessed to have shared Linda’s life are her sons, Shawn (Karmen) Vis of Luverne, Jeremy (Leanne) Vis of Sioux Falls, Michael Vis of Sioux Falls and Alex (Sarah) Vis of Winter Park, FL; five grandchildren, Baily, Gabriel, Cullen, Larkin and Zion; siblings, Marian Schneekloth of Luverne, Marlene (John) Weinstroer of Lenexa, KS, Marge Briese of Hartford, SD, Steve (Carla) Van Santen of Luverne, Doug (Kathy) Van Santen of Brandon, Carolyn (Tim) Diedrich of Luverne, Rick (Carrie) Van Santen of Luverne and Lori (Gary) Serum of Champlin, MN; and her significant other Jim Feauto of Akron, IA. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Jim Van Santen and Arvin Van Santen; and an infant sister, Betty Jean Van Santen.

Memorials preferred to Children’s Miracle Network or Make a Wish Foundation.