Dr. Linda M. Walters, Ph.D.

Linda M. Walters, currently of Sun Prairie, WI, died Sunday, September 17 at the age of 71. Linda was born October 10, 1951, in Grant County to the late Virgil and Betty Gilbertson.

Linda graduated with a B.S. with Honors in Physical Medicine from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. She received her Ph.D. in Anatomy from Loyola University of Chicago, Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, IL. Her postdoctoral fellowships were at the Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, and the Chicago Medical School, North Chicago, IL.

Professionally, Linda’s first passion was physical therapy which she practiced in clinical settings for fourteen years. Her experiences as a physical therapist impacted her deeply and she continued to reference that knowledge throughout her adult life.

It was in teaching that Linda found her true calling. Beginning as an instructor at Finch University in the Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Linda eventually became the Chair of the Department of Physical Therapy. From Finch, Linda was recruited to teach at Midwestern University/Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine where she earned Full Professor with Tenure status and Chair of the Anatomy Department. Recognizing her contributions to the school, the university granted her professor emeritus when she retired.

“Dr. Linda Walters came to Midwestern University … to teach anatomy and help establish one of the finest anatomy labs in the country. She achieved this and so much more by being herself. She is a superb teacher who instructs students by guiding their minds to think analytically, their hands to respect the human body, and their souls to care about others.”  Dr. Kathleen Geoppinger, President of Midwestern University.

Being a true Wisconsinite, Linda loved Badgers football, Brewers baseball, and of course, the Green Bay Packers. She also enjoyed hikes in the desert, long scenic drives, walking the dog, disc golf, and finding the best Reuben Sandwich. She loved spending time with her family. Linda also enjoyed the constant exchange of the many books and jig saw puzzles between herself and her siblings, nieces and daughter.  Baking was a favorite way for her to share love with family and friends, Fat White Cookies reign as the favorite request. Volunteer service was a routine part of her life. Her soul was always renewed by her vacations at the Rushes in Door County.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents Virgil and Betty Gilbertson, her son Matthew (Matt) Walters and her brother-in-law, Jeff Lund.

Celebration of Life Service for Linda Walters will be held at Cress Funeral Services 1310 Emerald Terrace Sun Prairie, WI 53590 on September 28, 2023. Visitation begins at 11:00 AM followed by a brief service at Noon.  You are also invited to a buffet lunch at 1:00 pm.

Live streaming of the service will be available. In lieu of flowers, we would like donations to be made to the University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center Pancreatic Cancer Research Greatest Need Fund #132900253 UW Carbon Cancer Center Giving (https://cancer.wisc.edu/ways-to-give/giving)

For any family and friends who may not be able to attend in person, you may click on this link and register to view a livestream of the memorial service for Linda.

https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=9c419ada-ed0e-46ba-a8cc-dff879932ee5.