Linda Vacketta

Linda L. (Kern) Vacketta, 88, passed from this life on February 12, 2025, at her home in Danville, IL, surrounded by her loving family. Linda was born on March 3,1936 in Danville to Arthur and Mary (Rippon) Kern. Joe Cruppenink became the only dad Linda knew after his marriage to her mother when Linda was a young child. Linda grew up in Westville, IL, graduating from Westville High School in 1954.

Linda married Theodore J. (Ted) Vacketta in 1954 and they were just short of celebrating 63 years of marriage when Ted passed away on February 19, 2017. Linda is survived by her children Cydra Christensen of Danville, Ted Jr. (Betsy) Vacketta of Danville, Gregor Vacketta of Danville, and Carla (Rich) Henry of Urbana, IL. Grandchildren include Reverend Jessica Vacketta of San Mateo, CA, Tove (Justin) Adams of Danville, Leslie (Greg) Schebler of Livermore, CA, and Catie and Sara Henry of Urbana. Her great-grandchildren are Lily, Penny, and Theo Schebler of Livermore, CA, and Sofie Adams of Danville. Also knowing Linda as Grandma are Julie (Paul) Beer, and Neil Christensen.

Additional survivors are Linda’s sister Connie Pierce of Westville, brother-in-law Jerald Vacketta of Oakwood, IL, sister-in-law Betty Pintar of Ft. Myers, FL, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to Ted, Linda was preceded in death by an infant son Mark William Vacketta, brother Tom Cruppenink, stepbrothers Joe, George, and Jack Cruppenink, sister-in-law Harriet (Jerald) Vacketta, brother-in-law Joe Pintar, son-in-law Olav Christensen, nephew Brad Carter, and niece Christine Cruppenink.

Linda spent her early married years as a stay-at-home mom taking care of the never-ending household responsibilities. She was a room mother for her children’s classrooms, as well as participating in the PTA. She took pleasure in hosting birthday parties for all her children as often as possible. Linda and Ted enjoyed attending sporting events, and school events for their children and grandchildren throughout the years.

Once the children were through school, Linda decided to re-enter the workforce when she joined the staff at The Bride’s Cottage, where she worked for many years. She then moved on to working for Consumer Credit Services until her retirement in 1999.

After Ted became a serious golfer in the 1960’s, Linda decided to take up the game so she could spend more time with him. They became members of the former Vermilion Hills Country Club, where they spent many years participating in club social events and various golf league offerings. Both were avid bowlers and participated for many years in a mixed bowling league as well as their men’s and women’s leagues. She served as secretary/treasurer for several leagues throughout the years. Linda was honored to be inducted into the Danville Women’s Bowling Association Hall of Fame.

Throughout their lifetime together, Linda and Ted always enjoyed playing card games together. Early on they played a lot of Pinochle, and later in life they enjoyed Bridge. But their favorite was usually Euchre, and they participated in several card “clubs” throughout the years. On occasion, Linda and Ted would try the game offerings at the Par-A-Dice Casino, or other locations during their travels, but being frugal they would never exceed their intended limits. They had many great memories of traveling with good friends on vacations to various resorts throughout the United States and Mexico.

Linda’s greatest pleasure during her life well lived has always been spending time with her family. She will be greatly missed, but the memories we made together will always be present in our hearts.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, February 21, 2025 at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Danville, Illinois, 3940 N Vermilion St. Danville, IL 61834. Reverend Jessica Vacketta will officiate. Burial will be in Sunset Memorial Park. Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 PM on Thursday, February 20, 2025 at the funeral home. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Linda’s name may be offered to Danville Central Christian Church Foundation, Inc. at 1101 N. Vermilion St., Danville, IL 61832.

Please join Linda’s family in sharing memories, photos and videos on her tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com .