Linda Anne Hathaway

Linda Anne Diestler Hathaway passed away on May 14, 2025. She was born in Appleton, WI on September 6, 1947, to Franklin and Lula Diestler. She graduated as a member of the Class of 1965 from Appleton High School. She served her country in the U.S. Army from September 1966 to August 1967, at which point she got a medical discharge for pregnancy. On June 23, 1967, she married Jefferson Davis Hathaway and soon after their daughter Lori made her appearance. They divorced in January 1974. In December 1976, she married Joseph James Schug. They divorced in November 1981. On September 27, 1986, she married Siegfried Spielmann. They divorced in August 2007.

Linda was passionate about many things. She enjoyed travel and had many adventures to locations like Hong Kong, Florida, Toronto (where she ventured to Anthem Records), Niagara Falls, and California among many others. She enjoyed road trips especially the one she took to Washington DC with Bill in 2005. She was also a passionate rescuer of cats she felt were overlooked-her heart was to give a home to those cats who needed one. She enjoyed time at home reading and nights out enjoying a beer.

She is survived by her daughter Lori (Pat Miller) Schmidt; grandson William (Katie) J. Schmidt; her niece-who is more like a sister Kathie (Ray) Miller; her “honorary stepson” Dan (Lisa) McGrath, as well as other friends and relatives.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her infant brother Chester Diestler, sister Marie Krause, her loving sister Ramona Moser and brother Franklin “Hank” Diestler, Jr.; as well as son-in-law James Froeming. She was also preceded in death by her 1st husband; Jeff; her 3rd husband Sieg; her very special friend Dennis Petit and other family and friends. Although they were divorced, she still loved both Jeff and Sieg. She also still loved Dennis who loved her unconditionally and was the love of her life.

A memorial gathering and service will take place on Thursday June 5, 2025, at Highland Memorial Park-Star of Hope Chapel, 3131 N Richmond Street, Appleton. Friends and family may gather for a time of visiting at 9:00am, with a service beginning at 10:00am and the burial immediately to follow.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Safe Haven Pet sanctuary, Green Bay in her memory.