Linda Kilcoin

Linda June Kilcoin was born May 16, 1957, in Wessington Springs, S.D.,  to Lambertus and Marjorie Van Dyke. Being born the surviving twin, Linda often felt and spoke of the void left by the loss (stillborn) of her twin brother.
In Linda’s early years of life she loved to read, ride the ponies, and always had a bad case of the “Rock Pox.” She could never resist that perfect rock that needed to go home with her. Also, Linda spent alot of time helping her “daddy” with catalog layouts for the family’s taxidermy supply mail order business. Linda excelled in music. She loved to play the piano. And sang at countless weddings and funerals throughout the years.
Linda attended Woonsocket Public Schools and completed high school in three years. Linda then went on to Dakota Wesleyan University to earn her college degree in three years as well. Linda achieved a double major in English and history and a minor in political science. She graduated summa cum laude at the top of her class.
At a very young age  Linda became deeply interested and involved with politics, which eventually led to her meeting her first husband, campaigning for him and successfully assisting him in a race for a senate seat. That gave her opportunity and experience in the state capitol. Linda also dabbled in selling real estate.
On Sept. 8, 1979, Linda married Bill Kilcoin, aka “Wild Bill,’ and the couple had two children, Kristen Angela and Ruskin James.
In later years Linda’s love for nature and the outdoors led her to become a master gardener and Girl Scout leader. She also had an endless love for animals, giving a home to many pets along the way.
Linda served as the bus driver for her own children and was an amazing cook. She was very creative and never followed a recipe, but no one ever went hungry at her house. Along with all these activities and titles, Linda always played a key role in the family’s taxidermy and restoration mail order business,”Van Dykes Supply.”
Linda was always extremely kind and generous to those in need, always lending a helping hand. She was a pillar to her family and closest friends.
Linda, of rural Hill City, S.D., died Feb. 2, 2020 with her husband, daughter and son at her side. She was 62.
Also comforting Linda in her last days were family members Mike, Darin and Linda Kilcoin of Woonsocket and a very close, longtime friend of the family, Val Howey of Hill City.
Linda was preceded in death by her parents, Bert and Marj Van Dyke; infant twin brother Lyndon Jan; maternal grandparents Frank and Margaret Kempf;  and paternal grandparents John and JoAnna Van Dyke.
She is survived by her husband, Bill; daughter, Kristen (Jessie); son, Ruskin (Jenny); and three grandchildren, Katelyn Jane, Quintyn Dale and James Lee.
A memorial service will take place at a later date at the Red Canyon Ranch southwest of Custer, one of Linda’s most favorite places to be.

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