Linda Fowler, 77, of Burlington, died Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2023, at her home.
Linda was born in Cherokee, on Oct. 8, 1946, to Adrian Eli and Lillian Magdalene Srock Fowler.
She graduated from Washington High School in Cherokee in 1965. She received her B.A. from the University of South Dakota where she was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society. She graduated summa cum laude in 1969. She then attended the University of Denver and received a master's of arts in library science in August of 1970.
Linda began work at the Burlington Public Library in Sept. of 1970 as Children's Librarian. She spent 38 years there, ending with the title of Manager of Youth Services. Through the years, she enjoyed the story times, the summer reading programs, and especially watching children grow up to be library users and bring their own children to the library. She retired in Dec. of 2008 after spending two years in the new library - an important goal in her life.
Hobbies included reading, jigsaw puzzles, and outings with friends. Travel was an important part of her life and she enjoyed going on trips with her friends and family to places like Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, Hawaii, Alaska, France, Switzerland, the Virgin Islands and anywhere else she could go. She loved spending time with her nieces and nephews. She was a past member of the Board of the Friends of the Burlington Public Library and the Early Childhood Iowa Board of Des Moines and Louisa Counties. She was also a lifetime member of the Iowa Library Association and the American Library Association.
After retirement, she became a staunch Democrat who regularly wrote letters to the Hawk Eye about the current state of affairs, always hoping the country would come to its senses.
Survivors include her sister, Nancy Kay Fuhrman (Kenneth); nieces, Deborah Lynn Fuhrman-Smith (Sean), Michelle Annette Jepsen (Wade), Lisa Jennette Fuhrman; and nephew, Matthew Scott Fuhrman (Jennifer); four grand-nieces, Alexis Davis, Arianna Jepsen, Bri Jepsen, Lauren Fuhrman; two grand-nephews, Collin Jepsen, Alex Fuhrman; and one great grand-nephew, Henry Davis.
She was preceded in death by her parents; one half-brother, Hugh Anthony Fowler; and one great-nephew, Chris Fowler.
Visitation will be from 12 to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023, at Prugh Funeral Service, 3940 Division Street, Burlington.
The memorial service for Linda will be 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023, at Prugh Funeral Service with Fr. Paul Walker officiating.
Memorials have been established for the Burlington Public Library and Messiah Lutheran Church.