Linda Kay (Blackwell) Herkert, 76, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her family on Sunday, June 29, 2025, after a seven-year battle with cancer. She was born on September 15, 1948, the oldest of eight children to the late Laverne and Lois Blackwell. She graduated from Calhoun High School in 1966 and one year later, married James Herkert on July 15, 1967. Together they shared nearly 58 years of marriage, building a family she loved and was so proud of. She attended cosmetology school and spent many years working at Fashion Beauty Salon in Jerseyville, until becoming a secretary for Calhoun Unit #40, retiring after 18 years of service.
Together, she and Jim raised three sons, James (Jennifer) Herkert of Hardin, Bo (Michele) Herkert of Fieldon, and Jeff (the late Gwendolyn Herkert) of Kampsville. She loved watching her boys grow, play sports and was so proud of their success. Linda also enjoyed spending time with her seven grandchildren and one great grandchild; Austin (Emily) Gerson, their son Miles and Conner Herkert, all of Hardin, Tanner (Madelynn) Herkert and Hunter Herkert, all of Fieldon, Ryan (Alli) Herkert of Jerseyville, Kalyn Herkert (fiancé Joe Cuba) of Glen Carbon and Kortney Herkert of Kampsville.
Linda was preceded in death by her parents, Laverne and Lois Blackwell, brothers in laws, Ronnie Branham and Carl Nord. She is survived by her five sisters and two brothers, Marvin (Theresa) Blackwell of St. Joseph, MO, Brenda Nord of Cadiz, KY, Mary Branham of Galena, KS, Gene (Kitty) Blackwell of Revloc, PN, Glenda (Gary) Anderson of Hardin, Betty Schobernd (Tom Neal) and Marsha (Brian) Stark, all of Kampsville. She was also preceded in death by her in-laws, Joseph and Rose Herkert as well as her sisters in laws, Carolyn Siemer, Joan (Lawrence) Klunk, Rita (Dale) Ward and Kathy Herkert. Surviving are her brothers in laws, Joe (Cathy) Herkert of Gillespie, Paul Herkert of Hardin, Nick Siemer of Batchtown and Steve (Vanessa) Herkert of Kane. She was also dearly loved and had very special relationships with her many nieces and nephews.
Linda had many friendships from friends at work to her lifelong friendships developed growing up in Calhoun. She held a special place in her heart for her closest friend group, enjoying their time playing cards, celebrating New Year’s or going to dinner together. However, many of her best friends were her siblings. Linda loved to open her home to them for long visits, sharing stories, teasing each other, and laughing together over many cups of coffee. She especially cherished time with her family at her favorite vacation spot, Norfork Lake, where she enjoyed fishing, boat rides, preparing dinners, having morning coffee and watching her kids and grandkids enjoy the lake. She also loved to make her special dumplings, which were often requested by her grandchildren. Together, she and Jim spent many years building a family, always demonstrating their love and stability no matter what life threw their way. Linda was at times referred to by her family as one who was soft spoken, that is, until she needed to let Jim know what she was thinking in her not so soft manner. She never ceased to keep Jim on his toes. Even still, their love never wavered and they found many moments of conversation, comfort and closure in her final days. Linda was so very thankful for the many memories and blessings given in the time she was on earth, serving the Lord by being a gracious daughter, sister, aunt, wife, mom, grandma and friend.
There will be a private ceremony for the family. All are welcome to join the family at a Celebration of Life on July 12, 2025, from 1:00- 4:00 p.m. at Straight Home Bar and Grill in Hardin. Any food donations can be taken to Straight Home Bar and Grill, and any other donations can be given to family choice.
Online condolences can be made at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com.
