Linda L. Lochtefeld, 55, New Bremen, died at 5:08 a.m. March 24, 2014, at her residence.

She was born July 15, 1958, in St. Marys, to Donald and Jane Althoff Baxter. On May 29, 1982, she married Joe Lochtefeld, who survives.

Also surviving are a son, Lee Lochtefeld, Columbus; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Arthur and Irene Lochtefeld, Yorkshire; in-laws, Beverly and Randy Garrison, Brock, and Vernon Lochtefeld, Yorkshire; six nieces and nephews; five great-nieces and nephews; her Baxter cousins; and special cousin, Susan (Tom) Hughes.

She was a devout member of The Church of the Holy Redeemer, New Bremen, where she was involved in RCIA and parish council. She was a 1976 graduate of Memorial High School, and she also graduated from Wright State University with a business education degree. From the time she graduated college until 1996, she worked at the Wright State-Lake Campus, where she was an academic advisor. She also taught piano lessons for over 15 years, helping to teach some 60 students. In recent years, she was involved in the daily operations of the family business, Store 'n Stuff, Soak 'n Suds and Diversified Pond Supplies. She was a gracious and loving friend who touched the lives of everyone she met. She was well known for her infectious smile and laugh, as well as her optimism and strong faith.

Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Thursday at The Church of the Holy Redeemer, New Bremen, the Rev. Thomas Mannebach officiating. Burial will follow at German Protestant Cemetery, New Bremen.

Calling hours are 2-8 p.m. Wednesday at Gilberg-Hartwig Funeral Home, New Bremen, and 9-10 a.m. Thursday at the church when the rosary will be prayed.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the church memorial fund or to Physician's Care Center, Powell.

Condolences may be left at gilberghartwigfh.com.