Linda Rae Portz

Linda Rae Portz, 74, of Westby, Wisconsin, passed away at Mayo Clinic, on November 18, 2025, from complications related to cancer. Linda’s family would like to thank the teams at both Lacrosse and Sparta, Wisconsin, for their kindness and care during her treatment.

Linda was born in Tyler, Minnesota, and graduated from Ruthton High School in 1969. She attended beauty school in Sioux Falls, S.D., which nurtured a keenness in her to be mindful of her lovely locks. Her life journey led her to living, working, and raising her favorite children in Albert Lea. She was known throughout the community because she opened Trumbles’ Restaurant through rain, sleet, and snow. She was more dependable than the post office.

Linda passed on her love of ice-skating to her children. During winters when they were young, her family could often be found at the Hawthorne and Morin Parks ice rinks. She also enjoyed cross country skiing, golf, swimming, bowling, and biking around Fountain Lake.

Linda loved squirting a water gun at passersby, mainly her children, and blasting family members with marshmallow launchers. She also loved playing cards, especially Shanghai and Canasta. A fierce competitor with a love to win, she had a kind heart and would offer advice on how to improve the game for anyone on a losing streak.

Linda had a spirit of adventure and often spoke of how she was lucky to travel much further and see more sights than she could ever have dreamed. She also enjoyed camping, especially sitting by the campfire.

After retirement she fine-tuned her creative gifts and became proficient at card-making, which she turned into a small business. Every card was one-of-a-kind, and she loved hearing the ka-ching from her Etsy shop and craft sales.

Linda authored three books, loved paper-crafting, and many people benefited from her crochet-whether it was dishcloths, chair socks, or blankets. She loved the Lord with a giving spirit and would donate her handmade goods to charity.

Linda loved her family abundantly and is survived by her children, Dawn (Bradly) Paul, Stephanie (Peter) Winter, and Joshua (Ivory) Portz, her grandchildren Mark Winter, Kirsten Winter, Sabrah Paul, Alixanna Portz, Kolton Johnson, and five great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings Larry (Deb) Halsne, Carole Jore, and Cheryl (Bill) Vandersluis, and many nieces and nephews. Linda was proceeded in death by her parents Joseph and Lois Halsne.

A Celebration of Life Ceremony will be held on November 25, 2025, at Bonnerup Funeral & Cremation Services of Albert Lea, MN. Visitation with family will be from 1:00-1:30pm and the service from 1:30-2:30pm.

In lieu of flowers the family is requesting honorary memorials be made to the National Arthritis Foundation.

The livestream link below is a complimentary service provided by Bonnerup Funeral & Cremation Services.

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