Linda Marie Piper-Burback

BEAVER DAM - Linda M. Piper-Burback, age 67, of Beaver Dam, passed away on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at UW Hospital and Clinics. She was born on December 10, 1958, in Cross Plains, the daughter of Clarence and Elizabeth “Betty” (Niesen) Ziegler.

Linda graduated from Mount Horeb High School in 1977 and fulfilled her lifelong dream of becoming a registered nurse after earning her associate degree from Blackhawk Technical College in 1990. She dedicated most of her nursing career to caring for others at Skaalen Nursing and Rehabilitation, where she worked until her retirement in 2020.

In 1983, Linda married Robert “Bob” Piper, beginning a loving partnership that lasted 28 years until his passing. Together, they made their home in Evansville, where they raised their children, Elizabeth “Beth” and Bryan. Linda and Bob never needed a lot of excitement and were happiest enjoying a quiet life together. Sundays were often spent at Linda’s parent’s farm, visiting with family and working in the garden. They enjoyed many days hunting and fishing and relaxing together around a campfire. As the years went by, they especially cherished visits from family, often gathering around the kitchen table and talking for hours.

In May 2020, Linda found a new love and a renewed joy for life when she married Michael Burback at their beloved lake home in Beaver Dam. Linda was the love of Mike’s life. He feels incredibly grateful for the years they shared and for the opportunity to know, love, and understand the woman she was. Linda was truly special, and it was Mike’s honor and privilege to have her in his life for these past six years.

Linda loved a good cup of coffee, which was something she could happily enjoy while visiting with family, relaxing at home, or simply taking a moment for herself. She also loved the great outdoors and all the animals and wonders of nature. She especially enjoyed watching the bald eagles around the lake, and watching the leaves change colors in the fall. And whenever she was out for a day trip, you could bet she was keeping an eye out for deer and counting them along the way.

Linda was an incredibly talented crocheter, and she shared her love through hundreds of magnificent creations that she gifted to family and friends. She found comforting escape with the characters of Winnie-the-Pooh. Linda also knew how to have fun. She enjoyed visiting wineries, trying her luck and celebrating a jackpot or two at Ho-Chunk, and listening to her favorite music. She was a devoted fan of Neil Diamond and Donny Osmond.

Above all, Linda loved her family. Her grandbabies and nephews were especially precious to her. She opened her heart to two stepfamilies and loved them all as her own. She traveled to Florida many times to be there for the births of her grandchildren and was always there to support Bryan at his gigs. She treasured these moments and the memories made with the people she loved most. These memories and the love she gave so freely are what Linda’s friends and family will cherish forever.

Linda is survived by her husband, Michael; daughter, Elizabeth (Saul Sr.) Pavlinsky; son, Bryan (Teresa) Piper; sister, Sandy Skornicka; brother, Clarence (Christine) Zielger, Jr.; brother, Kevin (Helena) Ziegler; brother, Dennis (Heather) Ziegler; stepdaughters, Lisa Handrow and Stacy Piper; stepchildren, Jessica (Brian) Peterson; Kari Burback; and Michael Burback, Jr.; nephews, Kevin, Tyler, Owen, and Eli; grandchildren, Adaline, Saul, Jr., Victoria, Seth, Claire, Cheyenne, and Richie; as well as 13 step grandchildren and four step great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Robert Piper; her brother-in-law, Jeff Skornicka; her brother, Stephen Ziegler; and her parents, Clarence and Betty Ziegler.

A funeral service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 3 p.m. on Saturday, September 12, 2026. Burial will take place at St. James Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 2 p.m. until the time of the service on Saturday.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Beaver Dam Hospital and Dr. Alexander Hoffman at UW Madison Hospital for their compassionate care. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420