Linda Sue Schalk, age 75, passed away peacefully on May 12, 2026, surrounded by her loving husband and sons.

Linda was born Linda Sue Hopp on April 18, 1951, to Arthur and Emma (Mertz) Hopp. She was the youngest of seven children and grew up surrounded by family and faith. As a child, she treasured summers spent at the family cottage on Lake Nettie, enjoyed gardening, excelled in spelling bees and Field Day competitions, and developed the caring spirit and determination that would define her life.

Linda attended St. John’s Lutheran School and graduated from Rogers City High School in 1969. She continued her education at Concordia University Ann Arbor and Concordia University Nebraska, earning her bachelor’s degree in education in 1973.

At a friend’s wedding, Linda met the love of her life, Wayne Schalk. The two were married on June 29, 1974, and shared 51 wonderful years of marriage built on faith, family, laughter, and unwavering partnership.

Linda devoted 37 years to Lutheran education, spending most of her teaching career at St. Michael’s Lutheran School and St. John’s Lutheran School. She touched countless lives as both a teacher and principal, serving 15 years in school leadership. Her dedication to students, families, and Christian education left a lasting impact on generations of children and colleagues.

In retirement, Linda celebrated in memorable fashion by scoring a hole-in-one at Rogers City Country Club in 2016. Retirement, however, never slowed her servant’s heart. She continued substitute teaching, volunteered in the school library, led women’s Bible studies, and served at the Renewed Blessings resale store.

Linda enjoyed cheering on the Detroit Tigers and the Michigan State Spartans basketball and football teams. She loved playing cards, especially Spitzer, and gathering with family. She found great joy in continuing the tradition of the annual Hopp and Schalk family reunions, bringing generations of family together through her kindness, welcoming spirit, and hospitality.

Linda is survived by her beloved husband, Wayne Schalk; her sons, Tim (Heather) Schalk and Andy (Amber) Schalk; her cherished grandsons, Lucas, Tyler, Carter, Owen, and Reed Schalk; her sister, Darlene (Hopp) Sommerfeld; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, dear friends, former students, and colleagues.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Emma Hopp, and several beloved siblings and family members.

Linda will be remembered for her steadfast faith, compassionate heart, devotion to education, and deep love for her family and community. Her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched as a teacher, mentor, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend.

Visitation will be on Friday, May 15, 2026, at Hentkowski Funeral Home from 4:00 until 8:00 PM with a Prayer Service at 7:00 PM. Visitation will continue Saturday at 10:00 AM until the 11:00 AM Funeral at St. Michael Lutheran Church in Belknap with Pastor Paul Boerger officiating. Burial will be at St. Michael’s Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent to hentkowskifuneral.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the St. Michael’s Lutheran Church or St. John's Lutheran Church scholarship funds.