Linda was born in New Castle, Pennsylvania on Nov. 2, 1940, the daughter of Charles and Maree (Biddle) Usselton. The family eventually settled in Norwalk, Ohio where Linda graduated from Norwalk High School in 1958. Linda earned degrees in English and Speech from Kent State University before – as she liked to say – “it was famous.” She married her high school sweetheart, Richard J. “Dick” Paplinski, at the United Methodist Church in Norwalk, Ohio on July 18, 1964.

During her life, Linda was a strong advocate for children. Early in her marriage, she taught high school English and Speech. After the birth of their daughters, Linda remained home to nurture the children and support Dick’s career. Dick’s career success led them to Overland Park, Kansas and Fairmont, Minn. While in Fairmont, Linda volunteered for Planned Parenthood (earning a Volunteer of the Year Award) and served on the Board of Directors for the Opera House. She directed many productions for the children’s theater at the Opera House. For several years, Linda diligently worked as a guardian ad litem for children in the Minnesota Court system, a role in which she excelled.

In retirement, Linda and Dick moved to Bettendorf to be closer to their “magnificent seven” grandchildren. She loved to travel, especially to Europe, and to document her travels with photographs and memory albums. Linda was a lifelong member of the American Association of University Women (AAUW). She continued that membership in Bettendorf, where she established new friendships. After Dick passed away in March 2023, she joined a “Grief Group”. She spoke often of the wonderful friendships formed from that group. She also enjoyed playing bridge with friends, reading, and spending time with her grandchildren.

Linda will always be remembered for her boisterous laugh, and as a loving wife, mother, Nana and friend who cared deeply for her family and friends.

Those left to honor her memory include her daughters, Leslie A. (Tim) Hesterman of Oak Park, Ill., and Vicki L. (Jeff) Bert of Bettendorf; her grandchildren, Nathan Hesterman, Caroline (Tristan) Jackson, Kate Hesterman, Alex Bert, Eric (Carley Berneking) Bert, Olivia Bert and Amanda Bert; three great-grandchildren, Teddy Hesterman, Emilia Jackson, and Nicholas Berneking; sister in law, Cheryl Paplinski and niece, Ilse Paplinski (David Silvernell).

Linda was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Dick Paplinski; brother-in-law, William E. Paplinski; and nephew, Aaron Paplinski.

After cremation, Linda will rest with her husband, Dick, at the Rock Island National Cemetery. Pursuant to Linda’s wishes, no service or visitation will occur at this time. The family plans to hold a celebration of life in the Spring or Summer of 2026.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to AAUW or One Eighty. Condolences may be expressed to the family by viewing Linda’s obituary at www.McGinnis-Chambers.com.

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