Linda Wiges

Linda Wiges was born on August 13, 1943, to Ray and Gladys Liggett (Ripper) of Harvard, IA.  The family moved to an apartment in Allerton, IA. Linda attended Allerton High School graduating in 1961 as the valedictorian of her class.  During high school Linda was active in band, basketball and Y-Teens.  She was also a member of the Allerton Christian Church.  

Linda attended college at Culver-Stockton in Canton, MO majoring in speech and drama.  After graduating in 1965, she began her teaching career in Walnut, IA.  After her first two years she later moved to North Tama High School in Traer, IA.  Some will remember the fine dramatic productions she gave the community.  With the students she trained and treasured she presented plays like "The Unsinkable Molly Brown", "Ondine" and "The Grass Harp".  

While in Traer, Linda married Lee Wiges, North Tama's long time girl's basketball and softball coach.  They had one daughter, Heather who married Brent (Bud) Blakely and gave Linda and Lee a perfectly special grandson, Deklan, who was born in 2014.  The entire family became active members of St. Luke Lutheran Church.  

The second half of Linda's work life included 34 years as a secretary at the University of Northern Iowa. She served the UNI Museum, Athletics and Study Abroad programs.  Linda also acted in many shows at the Cedar Falls and the Waterloo Community Playhouses.  Her favorite starring roles were in "Harvey", "The Wizard of Oz", and "On Golden Pond."  In Cedar Falls she directed "The Sanders Family Christmas" and "Steel Magnolias." Linda was also an author and published four books, among them "Happy Dreams" and "Give Me Glory".  She also wrote many stage plays including "Best Seats in the House" that was presented at several theaters.  

After a brief but hard-fought battle with leukemia, Linda went to be with the Lord on Friday, November 1 at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.  Linda was preceded in death by her parents.  She is survived by her husband Lee, her daughter Heather (Brent) Blakely and her beloved grandson Deklan.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 6 from 4-7 pm at Overton Funeral Home in Traer.  A funeral service will be held on Thursday, November 7 at 10:00 am St. Luke Evangelical Lutheran Church in Traer.