Linda Jo Sikorski

Linda Jo Sikorski, age 75, of New Carlisle, Indiana, passed away on Sunday, December 1, 2024, with her family by her side. She was born on October 11, 1949, in South Bend, Indiana. Linda was a graduate of Penn High School, Class of 1968. She worked for many years as both an owner and hostess at the Whistle Stop in South Bend and later at the Hometowner Restaurant in LaPaz, Indiana. On March 3, 2003, Linda married James “Jim” Sikorski in North Liberty, Indiana. Jim preceded her in death on March 18, 2011. 

She is survived by her daughter, Shawna (Abner Hamilton) Janski, and granddaughter, Kelsea (Elijah Reeves) Jolley, both of Mishawaka. Also surviving are her longtime companion, John Sinka of New Carlisle, and her stepchildren: Charlotte Grignon and Jason (Amy) Sikorski, both of Wisconsin; Brandee (Jason) Flagg, Angie (Bill) Warner, and Scott (Jessica) Sinka, all of New Carlisle. Additionally, she is survived by her sisters: LouAnn (Don) Susan of Mishawaka, Laura Strzelecki of New Carlisle, Jan (Brian) Donath of Edwardsburg, Michigan, and Jody (Bruce) Weldy of Arizona. She is also survived by her nieces: Tonya Freet, Cassie (John) McDonald, Laura (Justin) Stone, and Gloria (Corey) Scheilbelhut, along with several great-nieces and great-nephews. Surviving as well are her step-grandchildren: Kylie, Evan, Jayden, Brock, Carson, Mason, Jessie, Trevor, Jackson, Abigail, and Jacob. She was preceded in death by her parents Lewis Miltenberger and Betty (Shisler) Miller, her brother-in-law, Ron Strzelecki, and her grandson, Brayden.

A celebration of Linda’s life will be held from 1-4 pm Sunday, December 8, 2024, at the P.N.A. Club of New Carlisle, 55969 Tulip Rd, New Carlisle, IN 46552. Wells and Cruz Family Funeral Home and Cremation Care has been entrusted with her arrangements. 

Linda will be remembered for her warm, funny, and independent spirit, always putting the needs of others above her own. She loved spending time with her family, especially playing all kinds of board games and card games. She also had a passion for creating unique arts and crafts, often attending craft shows to share her creativity with others. Linda was deeply committed to volunteering her time to her community. She worked to support local farmers through the Farm Bureau Farmers and Ranchers program, and devoted time to giving back through her membership in the Delta Theta Tau Sorority, Kappa Rho Chapter.

An animal lover at heart, Linda had a special fondness for dogs. In her memory, donations may be made to the Heartland Animal Rescue or the Center for Hospice Care. 

She will always be remembered for her strength, kindness, and her unwavering love for her family. Linda’s selfless nature touched everyone who knew her, and her memory will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate to know her.

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