Linda Schmiedt

Linda L. Schmiedt, 61, Casper, a teacher who spent 16 years teaching chemistry and biology at Kelly Walsh High School, died Thursday. She died unexpectedly at her home. A memorial service will be at 1 p.m. Thursday at Bustard's Funeral Home, 600 CY Ave., Casper, with Chaplain Keith Evans officiating. Linda Lea Laatsch was born March 29, 1954, in Harlingen, Texas, the daughter of Gordon and Jewell (Pitts) Laatsch. She married Jim Schmiedt on March 22, 1975, in Wheatland. Together, they had one son, Patrick. She graduated from the University of Wyoming in 1977 with a bachelor's degree in education. She earned her master's degree from Lesley University in 2006. She taught science at the secondary level, teaching for one year in Mountain View, 10 years in Sundance, four years in Yuma, Arizona, and 16 years at Kelly Walsh High School in Casper. She taught multiple subjects and multiple levels but specialized in teaching chemistry and biology. She retired in 2010. In 1995, she and her husband began Old Dead Things LLC, a business centered on rocks, fossils and jewelry. The couple traveled to rock and fossil shows across the country. She enjoyed fishing, sewing, creating jewelry, gardening, watching live eagle webcams, and going to visit family, especially if that involved a trip to Arizona in January. Her family greatly enjoyed her quick wit and dry sense of humor. She is survived by her husband of Casper; her son of West Fargo, North Dakota; her brother, Lee Laatsch, of Gillette; her sister, Marlo Miller, of Minneapolis; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents. Memorial donations can be made to Kelly Walsh SOS, 3500 E. 12th St., Casper, WY 82609. The organization, Students Offered Support, is a volunteer service that benefits KWHS students in need.