Linda R. Grochow, age 71, of Wahpeton, ND, passed away surrounded by her loved ones, on Wednesday, October 28, 2020, at her residence. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 4, 2020, from 5 PM to 7 PM at Vertin-Munson Funeral Home in Wahpeton. Visitation will continue on Thursday, November 5, 2020, from 10 AM to 11 AM followed by her 11 AM funeral service at Bethel Lutheran Church in Wahpeton. Pastor Erika Buller will officiate the service. Burial will be in Fairview Memorial Gardens in Wahpeton. Masks are required to enter the church. A livestream of her service starting at 11 AM, will be available at www.vertinmunson.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Bethel Lutheran Church, American Cancer Society, or Lake Region Healthcare Cancer Care & Research Center in Fergus Falls, MN. Arrangements have been entrusted to Vertin-Munson Funeral Home.

Linda Rae Kemper was born on October 31, 1948, to Edward and Freda (Blumhagen) Kemper in Harvey, ND. She attended and graduated from Drake High School. She furthered her education at Capital Commercial College in Bismarck, ND. After graduating, she worked for First Western Bank in Minot, State Bank of Kenmare, and State Farm in Kenmare and Wahpeton, where she was employed for 31 years.

Linda met Arthur “Art” Grochow in the Spring of 1967, at a Drake basketball game. Linda loved sports, but you would often catch her not watching the game. She was an avid people watcher and social butterfly and made friends wherever she went. Her bright personality and nurturing demeanor made it clear to Art and his family, he was to not let her get away. Arthur and Linda were united in marriage on June 29, 1969, in Anamoose, ND. Their love was one of a kind and they did everything together. They attended sporting events, did volunteer work, baked, decorated for the holidays, and they even had matching t-shirts. Linda was a very active member of Bethel Lutheran Church and the American Legion Auxiliary and would volunteer as much as she could.

Linda’s four-year battle with cancer was a very courageous one. She remained a positive and caring woman of great welcome. Did we mention she was social? Her optimistic love and acceptance of others is a faithful way of life we all should strive to follow.

Linda is survived by her soulmate of 51 years, Arthur Grochow; loving daughter, Nicole (Toby Curtis) Grochow; brothers, Weston (Val) Kemper and Paul (Barb) Kemper; sister-in-law: Annie Kemper-Radzieta; nieces and nephews, Sheri Soto, Johnny Kemper, Alyssa Kemper-Kraft, David Kemper and Julia Schmaltz.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Freda Kemper; brother, John Kemper; and infant brother, James Kemper.