Linda Faye Setterlund

Linda Faye Setterlund passed away peacefully at 12:45 a.m. on June 11, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born on Christmas Day, December 25, 1946, to Lester Lauer and Loretta (Card) Lauer, Linda lived a life defined by hard work, generosity, resilience, and an unwavering love for family. If there was one word that captured her outlook on life, it was “wonderful.” It was her favorite way to describe the people, places, and moments she cherished, and it is only fitting that we remember her life the same way.

Linda was a fierce woman who truly loved life, and she lived it wonderfully.

She was known for her remarkable work ethic and spent much of her life working multiple jobs at a time. She loved connecting with people and never met a stranger. She enjoyed her years working at the Warren Township senior center, where she helped plan activities and outings and formed meaningful friendships with those she served. In the evenings, she waitressed at In-Laws, where her warm smile, quick wit, and genuine interest in others earned her countless regular customers and lasting friendships. She later retired from Woodland Middle School, where she worked as a paraprofessional supporting children with special needs, a role that reflected her patience, compassion, and caring heart.

Linda found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved fishing, tending to her garden, and spending time outdoors. Her kitchen was often filled with the aroma of homemade treats as she baked cookies, brownies, banana bread, pies, and her beloved Kolache cookies, a recipe passed down by a dear Polish friend. She enjoyed canning peaches, making raspberry jam, and sharing the fruits of her labor with family and friends.

Her generous spirit extended far beyond her home. Linda volunteered at the local food pantry and spent countless hours crocheting blankets for the children’s hospital, hoping to bring comfort to families during difficult times. She cherished time spent with her siblings, especially lively poker games filled with laughter, stories, and friendly competition.

More than anything, Linda loved her family fiercely. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were the center of her world, and she never missed an opportunity to support, encourage, and care for those she loved. Whether through a warm meal, a handmade blanket, a batch of cookies, or simply her presence, Linda had a gift for making people feel cared for.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents, Lester Faye Lauer and Loretta Ellen Turnpaugh; her beloved son, Donald Files; her grandsons, Weston Gross and Sean McBride; and her siblings Carole Mongeon, Judy (Al) Horton, and Tim Dickson.

She is survived by her daughter, Robin (Robert) Kielp; her grandchildren, Jessica Gross (Theresa Walker), Jacob Files, and Joshua Files; her great-grandchildren, Ally Gross, Makenna Shorman, and Wyatt Gross; and her siblings Charlie (Rosie) Lauer, Sally (Jay) Olmstead, and Debbie (Bill) Campbell, along with many extended family members and dear friends.

Linda’s legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched through her kindness, service, generosity, and love. She taught those around her the value of hard work, the importance of family, and the joy that can be found in simple moments.

For those fortunate enough to know her, there is no better way to describe her life than with her favorite word: Wonderful.

Friends and family will meet for visitation on Wednesday, June 24, 2026 from 10AM-12PM at Warren Funeral Home, 1475 N. Cemetery Road, Gurnee, IL 60031. The funeral service will then begin at 12PM, followed by the interment at Warren Cemetery and Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Linda's name to The Giving Point Food Pantry in Winthrop Harbor, IL where Linda worked countless hours volunteering her time or to any Children's Hospital of your choosing would be greatly appreciated.