Linda Sue (Wickland) Steavenson, 75, of Hayward, passed away on Sunday June 8, 2025.

Linda was born on March 9, 1950 in Ashland, WI to Blaine and Mary (Schmutzer) Wickland. She graduated from Hayward High School, attended UW-Eau Claire and received a bachelor's degree from UW-Superior.

Upon college graduation, Linda spent the summer traveling throughout Europe with a group of now life-long friends. She returned to Hayward and worked at her parent’s hardware store, Wickland’s True Value, until its closure in 2004. She was involved in community activities, including working for the American Birkebeiner, where she met many long-lasting, great friends. Linda was a great friend to all who knew her. Friends and family loved her for quiet humor and gentle kindness.

Linda met her husband, Paddy Steavenson, a competitor from England, at the Lumberjack World Championships in 1981. They spent two months together traveling to competitions around the US where she and Paddy both competed in events. After their summer together, Paddy returned to his home, calling Linda a week later asking if she wanted to get married. She said yes! He returned to Hayward in February 1982; they tied the knot in May of that year.

Linda and Paddy’s love for adventure took them to every state in the US, Australia, and New Zealand. They loved to tent camp, an activity they still enjoyed. Each spring they traveled to Florida, camping at various state parks, after a long winter. Each fall they would explore a different part of the country, stopping at museums and visiting friends along the way. They also enjoyed cross-country skiing, biking, and kayaking. In 1988, they were blessed with a son, Michael, who also shares their love of outdoor activities. Michael married his college sweetheart, Kaitlin in 2016. They have two boys, Oliver (6) and Oakley (4). Grandma Linda loved taking care of them.

Cherished memories of Linda will be carried on by her husband of 43 years, Paddy; son Michael (Kaitlin); grandsons Oliver and Oakley; sisters Janet Cribbins (Jim Cook), Diane Leighty; nieces Sara (Adam) Smith, Holly (Mark) Miller, and Erica Leighty. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Roger Wickland.

A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday June 12, 2025 at 2:00pm at the Hayward Funeral Home 15571 W CTH B, Hayward, WI 54843. Visitation will be held on Thursday from 12:00pm until the time of the service.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the Northwoods Humane Society at 10812 N O Brien Hill Rd, Hayward, WI 54843.

Last Update: Jun 10, 2025 8:05 am CDT