Linda (Kizima) Kuhlman

Linda Charlene (Kizima) Kuhlman left this world to go be with her Savior, Jesus, on June 17, 2026, in Ocala, FL. She was born on October 7, 1945, in Tacoma, Washington, to Charles and Gladys Parke. She was raised along the coast with her three sisters, Gloria, Nancy, and Charlette. In 1961, shortly before her 16th birthday, she had been waiting for a bus when she saw a handsome man in uniform - Gene Kizima - walking into a drugstore. Linda pointed out Gene to her girlfriend, who was waiting for the bus with her. With a smile, her friend headed that way. An invitation from the family for homemade pizza followed, and the rest is the story of a Nicholas Sparks-worthy book. On January 13, 1967, Gene and Linda were married in Youngstown, Ohio, excited to begin their life together.

After years of adventure, curious travels, and cross-country moves, they eventually settled in North Dakota, where they planted their roots.

Linda's next great adventure was motherhood. For a brief time, she had three children under the age of three—Ty, Travis, and Geniece. While raising her family at home, Linda was always finding creative ways to contribute financially. With her artistic eye and gifted hands, she started a pillow-making business that grew into creating gifts and eventually blossomed into Bridal Classics, the bridal shop she proudly operated from the basement of her home in Park River. To this day, many people credit Linda's craftsmanship with helping make their wedding days especially memorable.

Linda had a gift for bringing people together, often around the table with homemade soup or a fondue pot. A natural storyteller, she never missed an opportunity to speak at events and share God's love and the message of salvation with others.

After Gene's passing, God brought Jerry Kuhlman into Linda's life in 2010. They shared 14 years of marriage, a relationship rooted in faith, deep friendship, and steadfast love through many medical challenges. Jerry's farmhouse in Osakis, Minnesota, quickly became a welcoming home for their blended family, as well as the many friends they had through their camping club, church, neighbors, and the countless communities they became part of over the years.

God gave Linda a hunger for adventure, and she embraced life wholeheartedly. From coast to coast, she never shied away from a challenge. She was always ready to offer a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, or a laugh to brighten someone's day. Anyone who spent time with Linda quickly recognized her deep love for people and her gratitude for every opportunity God placed before her. She traveled extensively throughout North America, including a motorhome journey of a lifetime with Gene before his passing, many winters spent in Mexico with Jerry, and, finally, her last 6 months living with her daughter, Geniece, in Ocala, Florida.

Linda will be profoundly missed by all who knew and loved her, yet her family finds comfort in knowing she eagerly anticipated being in the presence of her Lord and Savior. Linda is survived by her children, Ty (Heather), Travis, and Geniece; her grandchildren, Alex (Michael Thomas), Kaylan (Tanner Kelly), Tallon, Faith (Donavin Reid), Jaxson, and Grayson; and her great-grandchildren, Kellen, Mildred, Justin, and Jett.

Her celebration of life service will be held at 3 pm on Monday, July 27th, at the Federated Church in Park River, ND. Following the service, Linda will be buried next to Gene at Park River Memorial Park.