Linda Ficek Obituary

Linda Ann (Stanley) Ficek, born August 15, 1948, in Grinnell, Iowa, passed away peacefully on June 11, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, service, and faith. The family will greet friends from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. on Friday, June 20, 2025, at Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Center Point. A Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at Alice Methodist Church, located at 4617 Alice Road in rural Center Point, with an additional visitation beginning at 9:30 a.m. Burial will follow at Center Point Cemetery.

Linda cherished her family, her church - Alice Methodist - and her community of Center Point, Iowa. These were the pillars of her life, and she devoted herself wholeheartedly to each of them. While attending school in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Linda met the love of her life, Lawrence “Larry” Ficek Sr. After marrying on February 8, 1969, the two eventually settled in Center Point, where they raised their three children and built a life rooted in love and purpose.

Linda’s passion for early childhood education led her to open Tiny Tots Preschool in Center Point, which she owned and operated for more than 20 years. Her dedication shaped the lives of countless children and families.

A talented musician, Linda served as the organist at Alice Methodist Church for over 40 years. She gave her time generously through music and service, including her involvement with the Community Singers, who brought joy to local nursing homes each month. Alongside her husband, she also visited shut-ins and lent her time and heart to those in need throughout the community.

Even in the final year of her life, Linda continued her commitment to others by driving a school van for special needs students - just one more example of her quiet acts of compassion.

Yet, all of her community involvement paled in comparison to the deep love she held for her family. Linda poured her heart into her children and grandchildren, believing each to be perfect in their own way. She was never without plates of their favorite baked goods and never missed a moment to show her love.

Linda is preceded in death by her husband, Larry Ficek Sr.; her daughter, Lori (Ficek) Langan; her grandchildren, Amanda and Zach; her parents, Harold and Hazel (Weaver) Stanley; and her brothers, Max Stanley and Virgil (Joan) Stanley.

She is survived by her children: son, Lawrence Ficek; daughter, Lona (Ficek) Smart and spouse, Chris Kern; and son-in-law, Michael Langan. Her grandchildren - Kyleigh (Smart) Austin, Alexander Smart, Dylan Langan, Brandley Langan, and Logan Ficek, will carry on her memory with love. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Bernice (Jon) Swenson, Judy (Sue Davis) Ficek, and Shirley Stanley.

Linda’s legacy is one of kindness, faith, and devotion. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.