Linda Jean Gruett

Linda J. Gruett (nee Smalley, formerly Fretschel), age 79 of West Bend, passed peacefully at Froedtert West Bend Hospital on Monday, December 9, 2024 of leukemia.

Born on December 31, 1944, Linda was the only child of Herbert and Allene (nee Fingerhut) Smalley. She grew up in Milwaukee and attended Rufus King High School. She then went on to build component boards for hospital and medical equipment.

In her younger years, she enjoyed playing guitar, being out on the water (especially on Lake Puckaway), hunting and fishing with her mom and dad (but was terrified of worms!), gardening and flowers. She also loved Harley motorcycles, sitting in the sun to tan, Friday nights with her friends in Barton, and her special dog, Maggie.

She leaves behind her children, Brian (Debbie) Fretschel, Carolyn “Charlee” (Tony) Martin, and Jeanna (Andrew Trinkl) Fretschel; her grandchildren, Austin Fretschel, Logan Fretschel, Kiara Fretschel, Jessica (Matt) Koloski, Joseph (Kori) Martin, Davey (Jordan) Berth, and Dylan (Marianna) Berth; great-grandchildren, Allis, Luca, Oliver, Ryker, and Dylan and Marianna’s child that is due on December 21, 2024. Along with her family, Linda leaves behind many friends that will remember her fondly, as well as her cousin Guy Hanke.

VISITATION: Linda’s family will greet relatives and friends on Wednesday, December 18, 2024 at Myrhum-Patten Funeral & Cremation Service (1315 W. Washington Street, West Bend, WI) from 10:30 a.m., until 12:15 p.m.

SERVICE: A small service will be held at 12:30 p.m. at the funeral home, followed by her interment in Wisconsin Memorial Park in Brookfield at 2:00 p.m.

A special thank you to Carol Weymier for being there for mom in her final days, as well as the doctors and nurses of Froedtert West Bend Hospital for their care.

Myrhum-Patten Funeral & Cremation Service has been entrusted with Linda’s arrangements. An online guest book may be found on www.myrhum-patten.com.