MENDOTA – Linda (Biehl) Spenader, 85, of Mendota, went home to Jesus on June 27, 2025.

Visitation service will be from 10-11 a.m. Wednesday, July 2 at Horner-Merritt Funeral Home with the funeral following at Restland Cemetery.

Linda was born on Dec. 17, 1939, to Howard and Marjorie Biehl. On June 28, 1958, Spenader married her soulmate, Alan Spenader.

She grew up in Hinckley and graduated from Hinckley High School. When her alma mater was mentioned, she would sing the Hinckley school song. The family home was filled with love with her parents and six siblings: Sharon Nurnberg, Jerry Biehl, Steve Biehl, David Larsen, Debbie Larsen and Dawn Goldman.

Along with her husband, Linda will be greatly missed by their children, son, Mark (Donna) Spenader and daughters, Sally (Jerry) Hanson and Shari (Jon) Allen.

Some of her greatest moments in life came from the joy of being a grandmother to Chrystal, Hollie, Dougie, John, Becca, Evan, Connor and Claire. She also has 15 great-grandchildren and five great-great grandchildren. Linda loved playing the role of "Secret Santa," going to their baseball games, recitals and school outings.

Linda had many jobs as she worked in the Mendota High School cafeteria and drove a school bus for many years. She worked at Plano Molding for a few years until her daughter Shari opened a craft store, Village Square Crafts, in downtown Mendota. She also worked at Country Kid Home Daycare with her daughter Sally. To this day, some of the children still affectionately call her grandma Linda.

Spenader loved crafts and sewing, but her favorite activities were with her family. She even hiked the Grand Canyon, at 64, to be included in the family backpacking trip.

Throughout her life, she attended many churches. New Life Evangelical Church was a meaningful time of her life as she was very involved in Sunday school and vacation bible school programs. Linda joined whatever committees she was needed for. It was there she gave her life to Jesus and made a lifetime commitment.

She is now with Jesus, her sister Sharon Nurnberg and her grandson Doug Wagner in heaven.