Linda Lou (Broughton) Malkow, age 76, of Monticello, passed away peacefully February 29, 2020 at the Monroe Clinic Hospice Home surrounded by her family. Linda fought with complications of an auto-immune disorder Wegener’s Granulomatosis for almost 20 years, but saw serious decline over the past few years.
Born on the back porch of her family farm on June 23, 1943, the sixth child to Coburn and Rose (Lederman) Broughton, she was a farm girl from the start. She attended Smiley School in Albany through the 8th grade, but discontinued school, as her full time help was needed on the family farm.
Linda met the love of her life, Glen, on the square in Monroe shortly after his return from the army, and the two married July 1, 1961. Together they farmed in Belleville for 10 years and then spent the next almost fifty years farming on Rechsteiner road outside Monticello. She worked hard alongside Glen, helping with many tasks around the farm, but had a special place in her heart for raising calves. She was heartbroken when she was physically unable to go to the barn. After the outside work was complete, Linda would return to the house to prepare big meals for her family and farm hands. Nobody left with an empty stomach, and people were usually sent out the door with dessert to go.
Aptly named “Run-about”, Linda was always on the go. When the kids were young, she could be found running them to various events. As the kids grew, she filled her time with card club, bingo and bowling league. She and Glen escaped the farm over the years to take time for traveling. Branson, Niagara Falls, Florida and the World’s Fair in St Louis were a few favorite destinations of the couple. She looked forward to yearly state and national bowling events with friends and their crew traveled all over the country for several years. Fond memories were made during sister days and the impromptu gambling runs to Ho-Chunk after family gatherings. She had the “luck of the Irish” even though she was Swiss through and through and always seemed to come home a winner.
Linda loved the Packers, Badgers and Brewers, but more than anything, she loved her grandchildren. They were her pride and joy. The kids would hope to be privy to recipes of her massive chocolate chip cookies and scotchies that she was more than happy to whip up for their school events, birthdays or bake sales. They will giggle at the memories of the famous “Nanny” Wal-Mart runs, root beer floats for breakfast, her making them eat until they were bursting at the seams, fun adventurous days at the farm and crazy car rides with Nanny’s lead foot.
Linda is survived by her husband, Glen Malkow, of Monticello. Her children: David (Jill) Malkow of Beloit, Debra (Michael) Cann of Belleville, and Brian (Becky) Malkow of Brodhead. Grandchildren: Nate Malkow, Ben Cann, Mikayla Cann, Brandon Malkow, Brady Malkow, Logan Malkow, Adam Cann, Brooks Malkow, and Luke Malkow. Sister, June Klossner of Rockford, IL and brother, Coburn “Corky” (Marj) Broughton of Brodhead. Special brother in law, Nelson Malkow, and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends whom she adored.
Preceding Linda in death was her first-born son, Jeff. The two had a special bond and dealing with his loss made battling illness even more difficult the past 18 months. The two have been reunited the day before Jeff’s 58th birthday and we hope they will have the most glorious celebration. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Coburn and Rose Broughton; siblings, Walt Broughton, Maryanne Christenson, Susan Prien, Caroline Malkow, and Harlan (Buzz) Broughton.
The family would like to thank the staff at the Monroe Clinic Hospice Home for all they have done over the past several months. The kind and compassionate care Linda received on a daily basis is greatly appreciated and you will all forever hold a special place in our hearts.
Another heartfelt thanks to Pam Parker and Juvy Balch for assisting with Linda’s care when she was at home. As well as all the family, friends and clinic volunteers who took the time to visit Linda during her time at the Hospice House.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 7, 2020, at 11:00 a.m., at the Albany Lions Club, 402 N Cincinnati St., with Pastor Mary Gafner officiating. Interment will be in the Gap Cemetery followed by a luncheon at the Lions Club. Visitation will be at the Albany Lions Club on Friday, March 6, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested in Linda’s name to the Monroe Clinic Hospice Home. The Newcomer Funeral Home, Monroe, is assisting the family. Condolences may be shared at www.newcomerfuneralhome.net
