Linda Clark Walterreit, age 85, of Mt. Pleasant, passed away unexpectedly on September 23, 2026, at McLaren Central Michigan Hospital.
Linda was born June 7, 1941, the daughter of John and Helen (Reimann) Clark Jr. She was raised in Cleveland Ohio, and attended Wittenberg University, where she met Denis D. Walterreit and obtained her BA. The two were married in 1963 and began a life together that would take them to Greenville, Michigan, then to Trenton, Grosse Ile, and finally Mt. Pleasant, where Linda lived nearly 30 years until her death. Linda continued her education at Wayne State University, where she earned her master’s degree in psychology. She actively practiced in the mental health field until her death.
Denis served as a Lutheran pastor, first in Greenville and later at St. Philip Lutheran Church in Trenton, before beginning a career in law and eventually becoming a judge at the Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Court.
Throughout their marriage, Linda and Denis shared a dream of someday owning a farm where they could have horses. Together they worked hard and made that dream a reality when they purchased a farm across the road from their daughter and son-in-law, Janice and John Terry. For Linda, who had loved horses since childhood, the farm became her safe haven and constant joy, and she never wanted to leave it or her peaceful country lifestyle. Linda was blessed to be able to live her life independently and in her beloved home with her animals right up to the day of her death.
Linda was a strong proponent of EAGALA therapy and believed deeply in the unique and healing connection between people and horses. For 12 years, she was involved with HopeWell Ranch in the Mt. Pleasant area, where she especially enjoyed working with veterans and seeing the difference equine-assisted therapy could make in their lives.
A woman of seemingly endless talents and interests, Linda was an artist and painter, as well as an architect and designer at heart. She even designed the home in which she and Denis lived. Creative, bright and endlessly inquisitive, Linda never stopped learning and was always interested in discovering something new.
Linda also cared deeply about the world around her. She loved animals, especially horses, dogs, and cats, and was a strong supporter of the Humane Animal Treatment Society (HATS). She worked with the Chippewa Watershed Conservancy and believed strongly in preserving wild spaces, protecting wildlife and leaving natural areas for future generations to enjoy. She also enjoyed visiting with her Amish friends and greatly valued the friendships she developed throughout her life.
Linda believed strongly in social causes and proudly considered herself a second-wave feminist. She was active with the Zonta Club and Art Reach. She was also a dedicated supporter of CMU Public Radio.
Those who knew Linda knew her as an intelligent, independent and determined woman. She could certainly be stubborn, but it was a stubbornness rooted in conviction. When Linda believed in something, she stood behind it. Her curiosity, creativity and desire to make a difference remained important parts of who she was throughout her life.
Above all else, Linda adored her family, and her grandchildren held an especially treasured place in her heart.
Linda is survived by her children, Janice (John) Terry of Blanchard and Denis “Jay” (Stephanie) Walterreit of Alpena; seven grandchildren, Adam, Rachel, Calvin, Cooper, Coral, Ruby, and Davin; her brother, Richard Clark of Williamsburg, Virginia; and two nieces.
Linda was preceded in death by her husband, Denis D. Walterreit; and her parents, John and Helen Clark Jr.
Cremation has taken place, and there will be a celebration of life Saturday, November 21 at the Winn Community Center from 11am to 1pm with a brief memorial of remembrance at 1pm. Arrangements have been entrusted to Berry Funeral Home of Shepherd.
Memorial contributions can be made on behalf of Linda to WCMU, HATS, and the Chippewa Watershed Conservancy.
