Linda M. Martin of Lancaster

Linda M. Martin, age 85, of Lancaster, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 2, 2026, at her home. Linda was born on May 13, 1941, in Platteville, WI the daughter of Neal and Ruth (Knutson) Wilkins.

Linda completed eighth grade at Liberty Ridge rural school and graduated from Lancaster High School in 1959. She went on to earn a degree in home economics, education and chemistry from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. After college, she taught home economics for one year at Mount Horeb High School.

On June 13, 1964, she was united in marriage to Roger B. Martin, at the Platteville United Methodist Church. He preceded her in death on August 15, 2021.

Together, Linda and Roger fulfilled their dream of operating Martin Farms at Five Points in rural Lancaster. In 1975, they were honored as the Jaycees Outstanding Young Farmer of the Year. Over the years, they were repeatedly recognized by Mississippi Valley, Swiss Valley, and Prairie Farms Cooperatives for producing high-quality milk. In 1999, they co-hosted Wisconsin Farm Progress Days, and in 2019, WGLR awarded them as Farm Family of the Year.

Linda served on the Lancaster Memorial Hospital Board. In 1975, she became the first woman elected to the Lancaster School Board, where she also served as vice president.

Linda took great pride in her family and farms. She especially cherished having her three grandsons—Ian, Garrett, and Brennen—help with chores and fieldwork, where they brought her joy through their companionship and hard work. She found deep satisfaction in farm life, from a fine group of heifers to a strong stand of corn and a soaking July rain. A loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, Linda also treasured many lifelong friendships, including those formed at Liberty Ridge school and during her college years.

Linda always believed that every child should have the chance to grow up on a farm. To her, farm life was much more than a place where you lived, it was a place where children learned the value of hard work, responsibility, family and appreciating the simple things in life.

She is survived by her son, Greg (Stacy) Martin; a daughter, Kristi (Tom) Gildersleeve; three grandsons: Ian Martin, Garrett, and Brennen Gildersleeve; two sisters Mary Wilkins, Ann (John) Van De Wiel; sisters-in-law Jeanne Durkis and Kay Wilkins; nieces, nephews, and the Knutson and Wilkins cousins.

In addition to her husband Roger, Linda was preceded in death by her parents Neal and Ruth, her brother Gary Wilkins and her father and mother-in-law: Bernard and Mary Martin.

In lieu of plants, flowers and memorial gifts a Linda M. Martin memorial fund has been established with proceeds being given to local charities.

Visitation will be on Friday, September 11, 2026, 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Lancaster United Methodist Church, 216 South Monroe Street, Lancaster, WI. Funeral service will be held at 11:30 a.m. with Pastor Erika Jezael Martinez-Flores officiating. Burial will follow at Hillside Cemetery in Lancaster. A livestream of her funeral service can be viewed on the churches Facebook page.

Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, Dubuque, Iowa, is assisting the family. Online condolences may be left at www.leonardfuneralhome.com.