Linda Jo Hansen

Linda Jo Hansen, 70, of Altoona, Iowa, passed away peacefully on May 28, 2025, surrounded by her loving family and cherished friends at the Taylor House Hospice in Des Moines, after a battle with ALS.

Linda was born on October 28, 1954 in Burwell, Nebraska. She graduated from Hoover High School in Des Moines in 1973. She went on to attend the University of Northern Iowa, where she earned her degree in education. She later completed her master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Drake University, preparing her for a lifelong career as an educator and inspiring leader.

Linda dedicated over 30 years to education, beginning her career with Des Moines Public Schools in August 1976. She started as a classroom teacher and went on to serve as Principal at Studebaker Elementary, Phillips Traditional School, and Pleasant Hill Elementary. Later, she brought her energy and leadership to Johnston’s Summit Middle School, where she served as the Principal until her retirement in 2012. Linda’s passion for education and commitment to students left a lasting impact on countless lives.

She met the love of her life, Greg, while they were students at Hoover High School. The high school sweethearts married on July 10, 1976, and this summer would have marked 49 years of a vibrant and devoted marriage. Early in their courtship, Greg gifted Linda a porcelain key chain from art class inscribed with “FLUBT” — Forever Let Us Be Together — a sentiment he echoed in every card he gave her for the rest of their life together.

Linda and Greg honeymooned in northern Minnesota and returned every summer — first as resort guests, then as cabin owners on Long Lake in Park Rapids starting in 1992. The lake was Linda’s happy place. She loved waterskiing, tubing, bonfires, pontoon rides, farmers markets, and sunset happy hours on the deck with neighbors and friends. Her spirited boat driving was legendary — she would turn, wink, and say, “Watch this!” just before sending her riders flying from the tubes, all in good fun. She especially loved teaching others how to waterski and kneeboard.
Together, Linda and Greg lived life to the fullest. They bought a Harley and joined a motorcycle club and spent countless days on boats and jet skis. Their winter travels often took them to the Caribbean. Whatever Greg dreamed up, Linda made it happen.

They built a beautiful life together and raised their one and only daughter, Mattia, in the Southeast Polk School District - who they loved and spoiled endlessly. Linda called Mattia her “gift from God,” the meaning behind her daughter’s name.

A lifelong learner and teacher, Linda embraced retirement by taking up the art of basket weaving, creating hundreds of intricate, beautiful baskets over the years. She found great joy in sharing her craft, teaching many friends the peaceful rhythm and creativity of weaving. Whether in her weaving room at home or her beloved "SHE Shed" at the lake, Linda wove love and care into every basket she made.

In retirement, Linda also worked for several years as a Clerk in the Iowa Senate, where she found fulfillment and camaraderie among her colleagues.

She is survived by her loving husband Greg; her daughter Mattia Wells and favorite son-in-law Justin Wells; her brothers Doug (Jeanette) and Neil (Alicia); her sister Sara (Jim); and many beloved brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews (lovingly known as Crazy Aunt Linda), and many dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Eldon Keith and Marcia Hyde; and her parents-in-law, Mary and William Hansen.

A celebration of Linda’s life will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at the Events Center at Terrace Hills Golf Course in Altoona, Iowa. A service will take place from 1 to 2 p.m., with a reception to follow.

Linda’s signature color was pink — if you wish to send flowers for the service, consider honoring her with something in her favorite hue. The family is deeply grateful to the Altoona Fire Department for their assistance during Linda’s final months. Memorial contributions may be made in Linda’s honor to the Altoona Firefighters Association.

Known for her warm presence and generous spirit, Linda had a way of making everyone (especially children) feel seen, heard, and special.

Print