Linda Ackland

Linda Lake Ackland, age 78, passed away on July 26, 2025. Linda lived a life full of color, joy and faith. Born in Hot Springs, South Dakota on June 7th, 1947, Linda lived in many places. The daughter of Genevieve and Epimenio Aguilar, she moved more times than her age during her young years. From the East Coast to California, she spent her childhood exploring on her bike (named Golden Girl), playing with her siblings Anita and Ernest and planting flowers everywhere she went.

She met her husband and love of her life, Jay Ackland, while in Pensacola, Florida. They eloped in Mobile, Alabama, in 1966 and began their devoted marriage and partnership. Their love brought three children (James, Rochelle and Jessica) into the world and they began to build a home. They moved to Neola, Iowa, in 1973, and after their first three years living there, she told Jay, “this is the longest I’ve lived in one place my whole life.” That home in Neola became the site of her favorite place in the world, her garden. Linda grew an immaculate garden full of color and variety. The garden was a place for many kids and pets to run and play before being called in by her loud whistle from the porch. They were usually greeted by a hot meal and chocolate chip cookies. That porch was also the place to be every night for sunset. If you couldn’t be there, Linda was sure to send you a picture of the best ones.

Linda had a huge heart. In her 78 years, she served friends, family and neighbors. Whether it was coffee at the 24-hour diner, a handmade card in the mail or food in her kitchen, Linda always had something to give. Her beautiful garden grew far beyond her fence through the love she shared.

Linda was known for her big heart and stubborn soul. She was a 26-year breast cancer survivor and faced each day with strength. You could rarely get a read on her because she never complained and was always talking about her family, which she loved so much. She was a rock, a safe place and comfort for her family. Sending a message of encouragement to her siblings, listening to her kids and getting updates from her grandkids and great-grandkids, she loved her family dearly.

Whether it was family reunions, watching barrel racing, camping with her dog Ryder, or many trips to Hawaii with Jay, she always made a memory and treasured any time she got to spend with the people she loved. Her family will get to enjoy these memories for years to come through the many scrapbooks she made and gifted.

Linda stood strong in her faith. She loved God and her community at Underwood Lutheran Church. She and Jay raised their family with a strong faith that will carry them through her loss.

Each year, her family looked forward to the Christmas and Easter celebrations that she curated so intentionally. And while her attention to detail in wrapping gifts and hiding eggs didn’t go unnoticed, her relationship with Jesus always shone through.

She is with Him now and she will continue painting beautiful sunsets to share with everyone who loves her, until we meet again.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Genevieve L. Aguilar and Epimenio M. Aguilar.

Linda is survived by her husband, Jay Ackland; children: James Ackland (Mary), Rochelle Clemen (Gerald), Jessica Hundt (Brad); grandchildren, Zachary Pohlman (Katherine), Paige Myers (Cole), Genna Clemen, Tate Clemen, Douglas McCambridge (Haley), Justin McCambridge, Brooklyn Stufft (Alex), Trent Hundt; great grandchildren, Natalie Mickleson, Isla Pohlman, Charlotte Myers, Harper Lang, Dakota Myers, Isabella Myers, Winnie McCambridge; siblings, Anita Wasserburger (Richard) and Ernest Aguilar; nieces and nephews and a host of other family and friends.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM at Hoy Kilnoski Funeral Home on Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 AM at Underwood Lutheran Church on Friday, August 1, 2025. The family requests you wear floral print, teal, coral or bright colors to the services in honor of Linda.

Linda will be laid to rest at South Dakota National Cemetery, Sturgis, SD at a later date.

The family will direct memorials to Underwood Lutheran Church, Jennie Edmundson Foundation’s Breast Health Fund and Midlands Humane Society