Obituary of Clayton Linscheid

Clayton B. Linscheid, 89, of Sterling, IL died Monday January 30, 2023 at Rock River Hospice & Home in Sterling.  Clayton was born May 20, 1933 in Butterfield, MN the son of Erwin and Anna (Neufeld) Linscheid.  He married Cheryl Grimm on June 22, 1957 in Deep River, IA.

Clayton was drafted in 1952 and served as a Corporal in the Army.  He returned from Germany in 1955.  Bob Ellis, (husband of Clayton’s sister Mildred), was the pastor of the Community Church in Deep River, IA.  Mildred was a “take charge” sister and informed Clayton that she’d found the perfect girl for him.  Mildred introduced Clayton to Cheryl Grimm and a few years later, Bob officiated their wedding.  Clayton started working for the Rock Island railroad in South English, IA.  While working for the railroad, he attended Iowa State Teacher’s College.  He graduated with a B.A. degree in industrial arts and in later years earned a master's degree.  In 1960, he began his teaching career at Westmar College in Le Mars, IA.  In 1965, the family moved to the Sterling, IL area where Clayton would continue to teach at the Whiteside Area Vocational Center.  He retired in 1993 after 33 years of teaching.

Clayton’s faith in Jesus was evident in many ways.  His talents were many, and he shared them generously.  Clayton was a good provider to his family.  By example, he showed his sons how to love their families, work and play.

You knew you were loved by Clayton if he ever teased you.  Clayton loved his entire family.  He beamed when girls finally became a part of it.  He truly loved his daughter in-laws and all of his grandchildren, often saying “there’s not a bad one in the bunch”.  Many memories on the “farm” and trips with the grandchildren were shared.  Clayton is responsible for teaching them how to properly give a hug.

Clayton had a passion for God’s creation.  He took great joy restoring their acreage into a forest by planting trees and the remainder into a prairie by planting bluestem grasses and wildflowers.  His best friend Pepper was by his side for many years while working on these projects.  Clayton enjoyed upland game hunting and fishing.  He passed these traits on to all of his sons.  Clayton truly enjoyed woodworking.  In retirement, Clayton turned his focus to both turning and carving.  Many people have obtained these works of art.  They will forever be identified by his ‘mark’ that usually included his initials, the year, and species of wood.  Clayton was a member of the Rock River Carvers Association.

Survivors include his wife Cheryl; three sons Brad Linscheid of Thomson, IL, Greg (Lori) Linscheid of Rockford, IL, and Gary (Michelle) Linscheid of Loves Park, IL; one brother Luane Linscheid of Morgantown, WV; two sisters Vera Holmes of Golden Valley, MN, and Vernelle (John) Stoesz of Becker, MN; one daughter-in-law Marci Linscheid of North English, IA; seven grandchildren Kendal (Brianna) Linscheid, Jordan (Ashley) Linscheid, Kassie (Nick) Nicchitta, Makinzie (Jay) Kors, Cole (Amber) Linscheid, Ethan Linscheid, and Morgan Linscheid; two great-grandchildren Annika, and Liesl.

Clayton was preceded in death by his parents; two sons Jeff Linscheid, and Bobby John Henry Linscheid; one brother Eldon Linscheid; one sister Mildred Ellis.

Cremation rites have been accorded, and a memorial service will take place at 11AM Tuesday February 7, 2023 at Bethel Reformed Church in Sterling, IL, with Reverend Ken Zuithoff, officiating. Visitation will be two hours prior to the memorial service from 9AM-11AM. Internment will take place at a later date. The memorial service will be streamed live on Schilling Funeral Home Facebook Page.

A memorial has been established to the Rockford Rescue Mission, 715 W. State Street in Rockford, IL 61102.