Linda Jean Sillanpaa

Linda Jean Sillanpaa, 76, passed away on Friday, August 21, 2026 in Mansfield, Texas. She was born on June 4, 1950 in Superior, Wisconsin to Maxwell and Vivian (Kemp) Weyandt. Linda was raised in Brule, Wisconsin and graduated from Northwestern High School in 1968. She enjoyed her years as a bus driver for the Maple School District, where so many cherished memories were made with her fellow drivers and all the children. Linda's favorite times were those spent with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed crocheting, reading, watching movies and talking on her phone. 

She is preceded in death by her husband, James Sillanpaa; parents, Maxwell and Vivian Weyandt; daughter, Jennifer Blackburn; granddaughter, Rebecca Blackburn; siblings, Lorraine Weyandt, Virginia (Don) Marshall, Katherine (Kenny) Koski, Earl (Virginia) Weyandt, and Steve (Virginia) Weyandt. 

She is survived by her daughter, Mary (Jason) Malicoat of Mansfield, Texas; son, Robert (Heather) Makela of Maple, Wisconsin; son-in-law, Brian Blackburn of Alvarado, Texas; grandchildren, Jamie (Justin) Godwin, Brooke (Lakarius) Butler, Kendra (David) Cadenhead, Kimberly Blackburn and Kayla Blackburn; great-grandchildren, Renleigh, Emery, Texas, and a baby boy due next month; sisters, Nancy Swenson of Iron River, Wisconsin, Sue (Bruce) Martin of Burlington, Iowa; and many cherised nieces and nephews.

Private services to follow.

The family would like to extend our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the staff at Mansfield Methodist Hospital for the wonderful care and compassion they gave Linda and our family.