Linda Weitzel

Linda Hessler Weitzel passed away on Feb 8, 2022, after enduring numerous health battles, her life succumbed to its wear and tear and cancer. Linda grew up on a farm in Hay Springs, Nebraska. She loved school and all the activities and opportunities a small school afforded her in academics, music, and just plain small-town quality of life. She enjoyed all her classmates and received a great education even though the farm life wasn’t her cup of tea.

Linda always wanted to be a teacher. After two years of college, she began her teaching career in country schools in Hay Springs, Mitchell, and Elm Creek Nebraska. She finished her education while teaching and enjoyed 25 more years teaching in Thornton, Colorado, where she had amazing students and families, many of whom became life-long friends. She also won teaching awards as she gained expertise. She worked in the professional development area of education but always went back to the beloved classroom. She was a master teacher and any student lucky enough to be in her class came away better educated.

Linda was lucky to marry Dennis Weitzel and together they raised two sons, Gregory Chad and Nathan Schott. Linda and Dennis loved following the boys to all their football games, wrestling tournaments, and numerous musical endeavors. Chad joined the Marines and became an accomplished musician but mostly, a proud Marine. Scott went to college in the mountains and became an avid outdoorsman, especially river rafting. Scott gained degrees in economics and business and enjoys his career in business. Scott married Dianne and together they raised Hunter.

Retirement was a joy for Linda as she loved going to her gyms around Thornton and the many friends as well as the great exercise. She loved her four book clubs and entertaining family and friends. She and Dennis enjoyed travel and building memories, especially with their niece Morgan. Linda was lucky because every day of her life, she was loved.

Linda is survived by her husband Dennis, son Scott (Dianne), grandson Hunter, and her siblings Steve (Beth) Hessler, Mike (Ginger) Hessler, Debbie (Mark) McCall and their families, along with nieces, nephews, cousins: and Stepfather Dave Reader. She also thought of Dennis’ siblings Michele Weitzel, Rowena Angell, and Marc Weitzel along with their families as her own family.

Linda was preceded in death by parents Alex Hessler Jr, JoAnn Reader, and son Chad.

In lieu of flowers or donations, contact someone you’ve lost touch with, smile at a stranger, give someone a hug, read a book, find ways to reach out to someone, savor a good meal with a friend, enjoy a football game. She would love that.

A Gathering of Family and Friends will be held on Sunday, Feb 20, 2022, from noon to 3pm at the Thornton Active Adult Center 11181 Colorado Blvd, Thornton CO. Just north of the Carpenter Rec Center. THIS IS A CASUAL EVENT!