Services:  10 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 1,  at the Harden Funeral Chapel in What Cheer. Visitation:  noon on Friday, family will be present from 6-8 p.m. Burial: will be held privately at a later date in the Malpine Cemetery near Muscatine. 

WHAT CHEER, Iowa—Linda Giese, 61 of What Cheer, died Monday, Sept. 26, 2011. In lieu of flowers please direct memorial contributions to the family. Friends may offer condolences to the family at www.hardenfuneralhomes.com .

Linda Kay Giese, daughter of Kenneth and Florence Herline Swanson was born November 15, 1949 in Muscatine, Iowa. She was a 1969 graduate of the Muscatine High School. Linda married Paul E. Giese in 1971.

She attended Beauty College in Davenport where she received her Associates Degree in Cosmetology. Linda also worked for Kingsberry Homes in Sigourney. She was an avid Hawkeye fan and she enjoyed camping, fishing and expanding her M&M memorabilia collection. She was proud to live in the small town of What Cheer. The community members brought joy and meaning to her life.  Linda was compassionate and non judgmental. Helping friends and family through both good and bad times in life was important to her. Above all Linda was proud of her sons and what they have become.

She is survived by her parents Kenneth and Florence Swanson of Muscatine, her long time companion Richard Moode of What Cheer; two sons: Paul (Glenda) Giese of Carlisle and Terry Giese of Beacon; a sister Diana Edwards of Muscatine; an aunt Annabelle Dudee of Davenport as well as several other aunts and uncles. Linda’s life was also blessed with six grandchildren: Kalie, Amber, Dakota and Ian Giese, Jessica (Shallom) Doty and Erica (Ryan) Groom. Five great grandchildren: Libby, Ryan and Aydan Groom, Sadie and Taylor Doty.

Linda is preceded in death by her grandparents and an aunt, Gladys Swanson.