Linda Christine Eichhorst, 73, of DeKalb passed away Sunday, November 2, 2025, at Grand Victorian Assisted Living of Sycamore. She was born March 24, 1952, in Hinsdale, IL and was the daughter of Glen O. and Margaret K. (Urbanski) Eichhorst.
Linda graduated from Glenbard West High School in 1970 before going on to earn her bachelor’s degree in sociology, with a minor in accounting at Northern Illinois University. Throughout her life, she dedicated herself to her work and her community. She served as the business manager for St. Mary Catholic Church in DeKalb, and shared her talents with Seymour of Sycamore Paint, Northern Illinois University as a staff accountant, and ITT Holub Industries.
A devoted member of St. Mary Catholic Church, Linda lived her faith through service and compassion. She had an adventurous spirit; she loved riding motorcycles and even took to the skies for a once-in-a-lifetime skydiving experience. Linda found joy in being involved and giving back wherever she could. She taught motorcycle safety courses, helped hard of hearing NIU students learn to drive, coached Steven’s youth basketball teams, served as the beloved Girl Scout “cookie mom” for Kristen’s Troop, and coordinated uniforms for AYSO soccer. Later in life she was deeply interested in genealogy, learning about her family’s past, and helping others to do the same. Linda was also a lifelong Chicago Bears and Cubs fan who loved listening to games on the radio and going to Wrigley Field.
Linda’s life was defined by her generosity, enthusiasm, and the many ways she touched the lives of those around her.
Survivors include; son Steven Tomanek of Oswego, IL; daughter Kristen Tomanek of Sycamore; brother Larry (Debbie) Eichhorst of Tyngsborough, MA; and nephews Alex and Matthew Eichhorst. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Linda was a constant presence from early grade school through Glenbard. Linda and Peggy Revling were inseperable companions! Linda always struck me as calm, collected and wise. She leaves a big gap.
I am also very sad to hear about Linda. Agree she was always there since 2nd grade: Sad she never made it to a reunion; I wish I had a chance to keep up with her and keep her in my life a little longer. Thanks for the updated photos. Wish I had known she was so close.
How sad it is to hear about Linda. I never knew her, but I wish I had. She looks like a real sweetheart and she accomplished so much in her life. What a wonderful legacy she left to those she was in contact with. It sounds like she lived her life to the fullest. I've always thought about skydiving. It is sad she never made it to the reunions with her living in the area. Her memory will live on in her family and all that she did!
Scott Zapel
Linda Christine Eichhorst, 73, of DeKalb passed away Sunday, November 2, 2025, at Grand Victorian Assisted Living of Sycamore. She was born March 24, 1952, in Hinsdale, IL and was the daughter of Glen O. and Margaret K. (Urbanski) Eichhorst.
Linda graduated from Glenbard West High School in 1970 before going on to earn her bachelor’s degree in sociology, with a minor in accounting at Northern Illinois University. Throughout her life, she dedicated herself to her work and her community. She served as the business manager for St. Mary Catholic Church in DeKalb, and shared her talents with Seymour of Sycamore Paint, Northern Illinois University as a staff accountant, and ITT Holub Industries.
A devoted member of St. Mary Catholic Church, Linda lived her faith through service and compassion. She had an adventurous spirit; she loved riding motorcycles and even took to the skies for a once-in-a-lifetime skydiving experience. Linda found joy in being involved and giving back wherever she could. She taught motorcycle safety courses, helped hard of hearing NIU students learn to drive, coached Steven’s youth basketball teams, served as the beloved Girl Scout “cookie mom” for Kristen’s Troop, and coordinated uniforms for AYSO soccer. Later in life she was deeply interested in genealogy, learning about her family’s past, and helping others to do the same. Linda was also a lifelong Chicago Bears and Cubs fan who loved listening to games on the radio and going to Wrigley Field.
Linda’s life was defined by her generosity, enthusiasm, and the many ways she touched the lives of those around her.
Survivors include; son Steven Tomanek of Oswego, IL; daughter Kristen Tomanek of Sycamore; brother Larry (Debbie) Eichhorst of Tyngsborough, MA; and nephews Alex and Matthew Eichhorst. She was preceded in death by her parents.
John Simanton
Linda was a constant presence from early grade school through Glenbard. Linda and Peggy Revling were inseperable companions! Linda always struck me as calm, collected and wise. She leaves a big gap.
Jean "Frosty" Pengelly (Lay)
I'm so sorry to hear of Linda's passing. Prayers to her family.
Roger Brown
I am also very sad to hear about Linda. Agree she was always there since 2nd grade: Sad she never made it to a reunion; I wish I had a chance to keep up with her and keep her in my life a little longer. Thanks for the updated photos. Wish I had known she was so close.
Marsha Virene (Matthews)
How sad it is to hear about Linda. I never knew her, but I wish I had. She looks like a real sweetheart and she accomplished so much in her life. What a wonderful legacy she left to those she was in contact with. It sounds like she lived her life to the fullest. I've always thought about skydiving. It is sad she never made it to the reunions with her living in the area. Her memory will live on in her family and all that she did!