Roll Call Tribute

Linda Gail (Schulz) Lakich 

April 24, 1955 - March 23, 2024 

Linda Gail Schulz Lakich of Columbus, Texas, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, sister-in-law and dear friend to many, passed away on March 23, 2024 in Schulenburg, Texas, surrounded by her family. She was born April 24, 1955, in Enid, Oklahoma, to Mildred and Bob Schulz, the second of five children. Her childhood years were spent with her four siblings and parents moving every few years between Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas and Louisiana following her father’s chemical engineering career. Frequently moving drew the family closer together, as did summer camping vacations to Colorado and many national parks.

Linda graduated from Texas A&M University in 1977 with a degree in Microbiology. Shortly after, she married the love of her life, John, in 1978. She furthered her academic pursuits by earning her MBA from the University of Houston and excelled in her career as a Certified Public Accountant, leaving a remarkable impact in both the private and public sectors. Soon after their youngest child was born, Linda and John made the decision to move to Columbus in 1991 where they raised their two sons and have lived ever since. Linda’s dedication and expertise were evident throughout her accounting career, including her role as the Finance Director and City Secretary for the City of Columbus and her service as an Internal Auditor for Industry Bancshares.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Linda had numerous interests and hobbies including travel, cooking, baking, reading, sewing, decorating, counted cross stitch, crafting, and a love of her family’s rich history. Her passion for travel included adventures with her husband, John, across much of Europe, including Italy, Great Britain, France, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. She was also a devoted member of the community of Christ Episcopal Church in Eagle Lake, Texas, serving on the altar guild and at one point as Senior Warden on the vestry. Yet, her greatest joy came from her family and being “Nana” to her beloved grandchildren Andrew and Valerie, whose presence illuminated her world with boundless love and happiness.

Those fortunate enough to have known Linda recognized her as a person of exceptional kindness, thoughtfulness, integrity, creativity and intelligence. And blessed with a great sense of humor. She greeted everyone with a warm and radiant smile. Her resilience and unwavering spirit were evident in her courageous endeavor against cancer. Linda faced her diagnosis with courage and determination, supported by her devoted husband, John, her sons, Matthew and Ryan, her daughter-in-law, Amy, her grandchildren, Andrew and Valerie, and surrounded by a caring community of friends and family.

Linda is predeceased by her mother, Mildred (Schram) Schulz. She is survived by her husband, John Lakich, of Columbus; son Ryan Lakich of Austin, TX; son Matthew Lakich and wife Amy Lakich and their children Andrew and Valerie of La Marque, TX; father Bob Schulz of Fort Collins, CO; brother Mark Schulz of Odessa, TX; sister Karen (Schulz) Graham and husband John Graham of Fort Collins, CO; sister Carmel (Schulz) Fisk and husband Dan Fisk of Tulsa, OK; and brother Grant and wife Tamara Schulz of Midland, TX; sister-in-law Penny Miekow of Columbus,TX; sister-in-law Gerlinde Lakich of Houston,TX; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held at Henneke Funeral Home on Friday, April 5, 2024 from 5 to 7pm. Funeral services will be held at Christ Episcopal Church in Eagle Lake, TX on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at 10am with Rev. Margarita Arroyo officiating. Graveside burial will be in Columbus, Texas.

Pallbearers include Ryan Lakich, Matthew Lakich, Christopher Lakich, Andrew Lakich, Daryl Wigginton, and Chris Kulhanek.

In honor of Linda's memory, contributions may be made to Christ Episcopal Church, 306 E. Stockbridge, Eagle Lake, TX 77434, https://www.christepiscopaleaglelake.org/, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, P.O. Box 4486, Houston, TX 77210-4486, or a charity of your choice.

Linda Gail Schulz Lakich will be deeply missed but forever remembered for her enduring love, strength, and profound impact on the lives of those she touched. And also for her heartwarming smile.