Linda Lou Danner, 81, of Du Quoin, passed away at 5:34 P.M., Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at the Belleville Memorial Hospital in Belleville, IL.
She was born on June 9, 1944 in Canton, IL, the daughter of John and Mary (Smith) Lalicker.  She lived a life defined by compassion, service, creativity, and deep devotion to her family.
Linda dedicated many years of her life to caring for others as a Registered Nurse. Her passion for helping people extended beyond the bedside and into the community, where she was a pioneer in public health services throughout Southern Illinois. She played an instrumental role in beginning Home Health services in Pinckneyville and Du Quoin, as well as helping establish Departments of Aging in Herrin and Departments of Health in Pinckneyville. Through her work, Linda touched countless lives, always guided by her belief in dignity, care, and kindness for all.
On May 21, 1965, Linda married the love of her life, Floyd Danner, at the First Christian Church in Summum, Illinois and he preceded her in death on March 10, 2025. In 1973, Linda and Floyd moved to Du Quoin, Illinois, where they truly began their life together, building a home filled with love, laughter, and lasting memories.
Linda had a joyful spirit and a zest for life. She loved shopping, camping—especially with friends and family—and expressing her creativity through ceramics and crafts. She found her greatest happiness in taking care of others, whether family, friends, or those in need. She famously believed in eating dessert first and living life to the fullest.
Above all else, Linda cherished her family. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother who raised three amazing sons instilled with strong values, and an adoring grandmother and great-grandmother. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the light of her life, and she loved them with her whole being. To Linda, family was the most precious gift life could offer.
Linda Lou Danner will be remembered for her generous heart, her unwavering dedication to others, her creativity, and her deep love for family. Her legacy of compassion and joy will live on through all who were blessed to know her.
She is survived by three sons - Steven Danner (Tracy) of Buckner, David Danner (Gerald) of Fairview Heights, and Mark Danner (Kyle) of Belleville, grandchildren - Steven Danner, Jr., Zak Danner (Tonya), Stephen Speakman (Ashley), Grayson Danner, and Keegan Danner (Hailee), and eight great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one brother - Delbert Lalicker and two sisters - Betty Windsor and Doris Derry.
Funeral services will be at 7:00 P.M., Friday, January 23, 2026 at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin with Rev. Gary Darnell officiating.
Friends may call from 5 P.M. until the time of service on Friday at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin.