Ginger A. Linsmeier, age 67, a Cato resident, passed away Thursday, August 27, 2026 at home surrounded by her loving family.

She was born January 7, 1959 in Manitowoc, daughter of Joy (Berge) Madson and the late Lawrence “Larry” Madson. Ginger attended Valders High School, graduating with the class of 1977. Over the years, she was employed with Valders State Bank and Evans Title, but Autumn Ridge Golf Course held a special place in her heart. She loved her time there, the people she met, and was well known for her soups.

On August 2, 2008, Ginger married Robert Linsmeier. She enjoyed spending time at their land by the river, where she loved beating Bob at cribbage. She was passionate about cooking, mixing in new recipes with family favorites. No one left her house hungry, including an occasional delivery driver. She could spot a garage sale a mile away and never passed up a good bargain. Ginger had a big heart and loved nothing more than being surrounded by her family, especially her grandchildren.

She is survived by her husband: Robert Linsmeier; her mother: Joy Madson; children: Jessica (Aaron) Evans, Nic (Holly) Franz, Craig Franz (Kara Pankratz); step-children: Jennifer (Kirk) Pingel, Scott (Amanda) Linsmeier, and Jessica (Kyle) Getter; grandchildren: Brielle, Zac, Josie, Breckin, Tenley, Lawson, Eva, and Leo; step-grandchildren: Gavin, Lilah, Bram, Maren, Sela, Veda, and Quinn, siblings: Tom (Rae) Madson, Jodi (Robert) Goehring, and Kevin (Julie) Madson; brother-in-law: Peter Reinertson (Lisa Lutzke); brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Jim (Linda) Linsmeier, Karen (John) Loberger, Jackie (Lee) Schisel, Lois (Pat) Keehan, and Joe (Deb) Linsmeier; and the father of her children: Paul Franz. Nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends also survive. She was preceded in death by her father: Larry Madson; sister: Kari Reinertson and infant sister: Kris; niece: Dawn Hill; great-nephew: Bentley McDonald; friend: Linda Gunderson; paternal grandparents: Palmer and Christina Madson; maternal grandparents: Earl and Lucille Berge; father-in-law and mother-in-law: Al and Elaine Linsmeier; as well as other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 3, 2026 at Faith Lutheran Church, 255 W. Roosevelt Street, Valders. Officiating at the service will be the Rev. Diane Wheatly. Following the service, cremation will occur and Ginger will be laid to rest at Gjerpen Cemetery at a later date.

The family will greet relatives and friends from 9:00 a.m. until 11:45 a.m. on Thursday, September 3, 2026 at Faith Lutheran Church, Valders.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ginger’s name to Cancer Research at Froedtert and the Medical College of Wisconsin, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or Ronald McDonald House Charities of Eastern Wisconsin.

The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home, Manitowoc, is assisting Ginger’s family with funeral arrangements. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family by visiting www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the doctors and staff of the Vince Lombardi Cancer Clinic at BayCare, the Cancer Center at Froedtert Hospital, and Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice for the exceptional care, kindness, and compassion shown to Ginger and her family throughout her journey.

The family is deeply grateful to the many friends and loved ones who supported Ginger with their prayers, encouragement, friendship, and care throughout her courageous seven-year journey. A special thank you to Kathy, Sissy, Angel, and Sue for the love, comfort, and support they showed Ginger along the way.

Above all, Ginger’s mother and children are forever grateful to her loving husband, who cared for her, watched over her, and stood by her side through every moment of the last seven years. He was truly her rock.