Linnea Uppstrom

Linnea Ann Uppstrom (Lynn), 79 years old, died Monday, October 6th, 2008 after her battle with cancer. Linnea was the loving mother of Margie (Chuck) Schroeder, proud grandmother of Melissa Trzaskus, devoted great grandmother of Nathan Hanovsky, fond former mother in law of Walt Trzaskus. She was preceded in death by her father, Commander Nils Harry Uppstrom, her mother Linnea E. Uppstrom, and her soul mate John Branzovsky and his daughter Sally Bellino. Linnea was raised in River Grove, Il and moved to Chicago in her late teens. She led quite an exciting life during that time. Her father, when off of ship, would fly her and her mother to New York, where due to his rank, they met and dined with many famous people. Linnea dated a cousin of “big band musicians” Jimmy and Tommy Dorsey. She was friends with drummer Gene Krupa, comedienne Imogene Coca and was introduced to pin-up girl Betty Grable. When living in Chicago, she went on a double date with Playboy’s Hugh Hefner. While attending a MacDonald Douglass meeting with her father, she met Howard Hughes who gave her his business card with his phone number and told her if she ever gets to California, give him a call and he would get her a part in a movie. After two attempts at marriage and seven more engagements, she always returned to her soul mate, John. They were together on and off for 54 years and are now they are together again. Linnea gave birth to her only child, Margie Lynn in 1958 when most single mothers were giving up heir children for adoption. Linnea was a brave woman and raised her daughter with the support of her mother and grandparents. At times she worked 3 jobs to provide for her daughter who is so proud of her. Linnea was a long time cat lover and owned many over her lifetime. She also owned a horse named “Mr. Kelly” before she became a mother. She was a member of Art of Barter where she traded her beautiful hand-crotched afghans. She also belonged to the Women of the Moose Chapter 427 and the Vasa Order of America’s Austin Lodge No. 466. She was proud of her Swedish roots and enjoyed keeping in touch with fellow Swedes. When Linnea could no longer manage stairs, she moved to Senior Housing into her own apartment. In the 3 years she lived there, she always spoke of the many friends she made there. She played pokeno, bingo and attended bible study. Linnea had a positive outlook on life and a smile or kind word to say. She gave to all from her heart. She treasured her granddaughter Melissa and adored her great grandson Nathan. She treated John’s daughter Sally as her own daughter since she helped raise her when Sally’s mother died when she was very young. Linnea had the joy of being part of Sally’s children’s lives. Arline and Joey were 2 more grandchildren in her life whom she cherished. She also was blessed when Arline gave her another great granddaughter, Rhiannon. Linnea took Sally’s death last year very hard, as she knew this was her daughter and Margie’s only sibling. Linnea’s family grew smaller and her oldest friends have passed away, too!! There is going to be one incredible welcoming party in heaven for her. When it’s our turn to go to the party, she will be the one in the middle of the crowd with her hair and nails done and perfectly dressed. She will greet us with a big smile, that wonderful smile, spread out all over her face. Linnea will be missed by many dear friends including MaryAnn, Daisy, Mary Lou, Charlotte, Betty, Gerry and Evelyn.

Visitation Sunday, 12:00 (Noon) until the time of funeral service 3:30 at the Countryside Funeral Home & Crematory, 950 South Bartlett Rd., (at Stearns Rd.) Bartlett. Following services cremation will be private at the Countryside Crematory. 630-289-7575 or www.countrysidefuneralhomes.com