Born Linda Akins on December 7, 1943, in Marshalltown, the daughter of George “Jack” and Annette (Fulmer) Akins. She graduated from Marshalltown High School in 1962 and then earned her license from cosmetology school.

Linda was united in marriage with Donald Carlson in November of 1963. From this union were three children: Keith, Brian and Darci.

On March 21, 1986, Linda was united in marriage with James L. Wolken at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, IA and made their home in rural Marshall County. With this union, Linda was blessed with two more children, Holly and Jon and they became a family of five children.

Over the years, Linda has worked at The Photo Shop, Earl’s Diamond Center, and Hellberg’s Jewelers, all in Marshalltown. Linda was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church of Dillon, the Miata Convertible Club and various social groups.

Linda spent her time gardening beautiful flowers, cooking and collecting recipes, decorating and maintaining her home. She was known for being a great cook. Linda enjoyed traveling; A special trip last year to Italy, France and Spain with family for her 80th birthday was a highlight. The most important part of Linda’s life was her family – she loved her children and grandchildren with all her heart. She put in as much effort as she could to make every event and activity.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents, brothers-in-law, Morris Wolken and Dan Wheater and a granddaughter, Chloey Kline.

Left to cherish her memory: Jim, her loving husband of nearly 39 years; her children: Keith Carlson and Brian (Linda) Carlson, all of Marshalltown; Darci Carlson Crosby of West Des Moines; Holly (Jayson) Kline of Parker, CO; and Jon (Stephanie) Wolken of Charlotte, NC. Also surviving her are her grandchildren, Marisa (Aaron) Staker and their children, Calleigh and McKinlee of Traer; Beth Bertolette and her daughter, Sloane of Des Moines; Sydney Welch of Charlotte, NC; Tate Carlson of Marshalltown; Austyn Kline of Breckenridge, CO; Brady Kline of Parker, CO; Chayse Crosby and Tori Crosby, both of West Des Moines; and Elyse Kline of Parker, CO; along with her brothers, Bill (Marlene) Akins of Marshalltown and George “Pudge” (Muriel) Akins of Arizona as well as several nieces, nephews and in-laws Linda Wheater, Ellen (Russ) Mann and Lynda Wolken.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. on Friday, January 17, 2025 at Mitchell Family Funeral Home. Memorial Services will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Saturday, January 18, 2025 at the Trinity Lutheran Church of Dillon with Pastor Fred Berry officiating. Burial will be in the Lutheran Cemetery of Dillon.

For condolences, please visit www.mitchellfh.com. A memorial fund is being established.