Linda Louise Gray

OREGON-Linda L. Gray, age 72, of Oregon, died Friday April 27, 2018, at Agrace HospiceCare, with her family by her side.  She was born July 24, 1945, in Madison, the daughter of Theodore and Dorothy (Sunderlage) Berkan. Linda was the middle child of five born of this union. She was united in marriage to Ronald Ganschow; with this union, they had a daughter. She was then united in marriage to Bill Gray; with this union, they had a son. Linda was reunited with the love of her life, Dave Strait, 39 years ago.  With this, she also welcomed into her life Dave's six children, Sara, David, Diane, Don, Julie, Dana and adopted daughter, Connie.  Linda was a lady of many talents.  She could draw, paint, crochet, sew, bake, can, and make jam. She loved flowers and making different varieties grow. Linda could play the piano, saxophone, and the accordion. She was a prankster at times, loved a good joke, had a good sense of humor and was quick with a smile. She was a country music fan, with her favorite band being Alabama and attending Alabama June Jam yearly. Linda also liked stock car races, snowmobiling and riding horses. She enjoyed spending special time with her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family and friends. Linda traveled around the country with her mother and granddaughter, Tabytha. She was active in 4-H, and helped at the Dane County Fair for many years along-side her mother in the plant and soil science department. She graduated from Oregon High School in 1963, and was employed by the State of Wisconsin for 45 years, lastly with the Department of Justice for 31 years. Linda is survived by Dave Strait; daughter, Jennifer (Rich) Clemons; son, Kevin Gray; grandchildren, Tabytha, Tiffany, Jeremy and Shelby; great-grandchildren, Jaden, Willow and Nolan; brothers, Theodore “JR” (Sue) Berkan of Madison and Ralph (Patti) Berkan of Oregon; sister, Barbara (Tim) McCarthy of Cozad N.E.; six nieces and nephews; and many other special family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Gary Berkan; and niece, Angela Berkan. A memorial gathering will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, from 4 p.m .until 8 p.m., with a time of reflection from 6 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. on Friday, May 11, 2018.  The family would like to extend a special thanks to the caring staff at Agrace HospiceCare, as well as Dr. Hewey for his special attention and care given to Linda. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Dr. (608) 221-5420