Linda Joyce Fox, née Lemke, passed away on August 1, 2026, following a brief illness. She was 77 years old. Born on March 19, 1949, in Postville, Iowa, to Harold H.W. Lemke and Pansy Eileen (Hines) Lemke, Linda was an only child who grew into a woman of remarkable compassion, quiet strength, and unwavering conviction. Though humble and private by nature, she dedicated her life to lifting up those who were often overlooked, believing deeply that every person deserved dignity, kindness, and hope.
Linda earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Upper Iowa University and became a Registered Nurse. Throughout her career, she devoted herself to caring for people during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. Her work reflected not only professional excellence but also a profound sense of empathy.
While living in Arizona, Linda served as Vice President of the Arizona Nurses Association and considered her work there among her greatest accomplishments. She cared for incarcerated individuals, worked in psychological services, triage, and with troubled adolescents, and advocated for infants, children, and adults whose medical needs prevented them from remaining with their families. Later, after returning to Iowa, she continued serving others by teaching nurse aide courses through Northeast Iowa Community College in Calmar and working with Scenic Acres and RISE in Elkader. Following Hurricane Katrina, she also assisted the Clayton County Emergency Management Agency in helping displaced families find new homes and new beginnings.
Linda believed fiercely in advocating for children, protecting nature, promoting equality, and standing beside marginalized communities. She had an extraordinary ability to see the humanity in every person and quietly carried the burdens of others without seeking recognition. Her kindness was steadfast, her integrity unwavering, and her heart endlessly generous. She truly left the world better than she found it.
Outside of her profession, Linda found joy in life’s simple and beautiful moments. She loved sunshine warming her face, swimming laps, kayaking on rivers and oceans, traveling the world, reading, writing, gardening, birdwatching, and spending peaceful hours surrounded by flowers and nature. She adored her beloved dog, Maia, and her cats, who brought her daily companionship and comfort.
Linda cherished meaningful conversations over lunch with friends and treasured every opportunity to spend time with her children and grandchildren. She embraced the role of “Nana” with love, patience, and wonder.
She was an active member of Peace Church’s Seekers Club, the Elkader Library Book Club, the McGregor Library Writers Group, and the Windermere community in Decorah, Iowa. These communities reflected her lifelong love of learning, thoughtful discussion, and meaningful friendships.
Linda was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Pansy Lemke; her husband, LuRoy Fox; and her grandson, Bradley James Wilcox.
She is lovingly remembered by her daughters, Julie (Michael) Grimm of Wadena, IA, and Stephannie (Matthew) Suiter of Coralville, IA; the children she lovingly helped raise, Robert (Samara) Dixon of Dubuque, IA, and Felicia Dixon of Phoenix, AZ; her friend and companion, Macarthur Dixon of Elkader, IA; her grandchildren Sofia Rose Suiter of Coralville, IA, Robin Gill of Fort Rucker, AL, Marc Wilcox of Olathe, KS, Carinda Lee of Greeley, IA, Samantha Lee of Elkader, IA; her great-grandchildren Rinoa Gill, Freya Gill, Drake Lee, Xoey Carper, Xabella Carper, Xander Carper, Brooklynn Guyer, and Dominic Guyer; along with many dear friends whose lives were enriched by her compassion and friendship.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages acts of kindness in Linda’s memory: read a book with a child, plant a flower or tree, care for an animal, protect a natural place, or extend compassion to someone who feels forgotten. These simple acts would have reflected the life she lived and the legacy she leaves behind.
The family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time. Celebration of Life service information will be announced at a later date.
Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Elkader, Iowa is helping the family with the arrangements.